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If there are already cases of colorectal cancer (aka colon cancer) in the family, the risk of this disease in relatives is much higher. Doctor Michael Hoffmeister from the German Oncology Research Center in Heidelberg told about the hereditary predisposition to this type of cancer.
According to the oncologist, colon cancer is by no means a rare disease - currently it is the third most common type of cancer among men.
"The risk of developing colorectal cancer in men (6 percent) is slightly higher than in women (4,9 percent). It can also be hereditary," Hoffmeister noted.
The oncologist explained: most men get it at an older age, but in some cases, colorectal cancer also occurs at a young age. The probability of getting it is especially high if there are already cases of this cancer in the family.
"The concept of family history is applied to colon cancer. Hereditary risk increases if, in particular, first-degree relatives, i.e. parents or brothers and sisters, are ill," the expert says.
This principle applies even if colorectal cancer affects only one family member. If there are several cases of cancer in the family, this can increase the risk even for distant relatives, the specialist said.
"If you have a family history of colon cancer, you should have a colonoscopy as a precaution starting at age 40," advised Dr. Hoffmeister.
The oncologist added that not only those people whose risk of getting the disease may be increased due to family circumstances should be wary of colon cancer.
"In the presence of such disorders as blood in the stool or constant problems with the intestines, a colonoscopy should also be performed, regardless of age. The number of bowel cancer cases among young people has increased somewhat in recent years," the oncologist warned.
