A practical approach to familial and hereditary colorectal cancer

Recent genetic research has isolated the primary genetic defect underlying many of the hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes. Obtaining a detailed fa mily history is the first step in identifying individuals at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Once identified, individuals and their fa milies may benefit from earlier, more intensified surveillance, prophylacti c surgery, cancer risk assessment and education, and genetic testing. Clini cians, especially those with many patients with colorectal cancer in their practice, must be able to address the complex issues associated with the fa milial and hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes. A well-integrated partne rship among colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and medi cal geneticists is necessary to address these complex issues and provide co mprehensive medical care. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.