Preventative Measures for Carriers

Reducing the Risk of Colon Cancer

Here are some of the preventive steps you and your doctor can take if your genetic test indicates a risk of developing an inherited cancer:

• Increased Surveillance Colonoscopy every one to two years beginning at age 20-25 or 5-10 years before the earliest age of a diagnosed colorectal cancer in your family, whichever comes first. Colonoscopy annually after age 40.
• Preventive Surgery
• If colon cancer (or an advanced precancerous polyp) is diagnosed in a patient with HNPCC, a full, rather than partial, colectomy is recommended.
• In carefully selected people, for example, those not willing or able to undergo periodic screening, preventive colectomy may be an option based on a positive genetic test result for HNPCC.
• Preventive Drug Therapies for Colorectal Cancer: Different drugs for the prevention of colorectal cancer are currently being researched for individuals with HNPCC. None of these drugs are currently approved by the FDA for this purpose.
• Increased Surveillance for Endometrial Cancer Gynecologic exam, transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial aspirate, and CA-125 every 1-2 years, starting at age 25-35.
• Preventive Surgery for Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer: Removal of the uterus and ovaries may be an option if colorectal cancer is detected and may also be considered when childbearing is concluded.
• Increased Surveillance for Other HNPCC-Related CancersThese screening guidelines are necessary in some situations:
• For stomach cancer, gastroscopy every 1-2 years starting at age 30-35.
• For urinary tract cancer, ultrasonography or urine cytology every 1-2 years starting at age 30-35.

» Understanding Inherited Colorectal Cancer: Adenomatous Polyposis Syndromes
A genetic test for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)