Colorectal Cancer and Family History: Understanding Your Risk

Family history is an important factor in assessing the risk of colorectal cancer genetic risk and plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention strategies. In Singapore, understanding the hereditary aspects of colorectal cancer helps individuals and healthcare providers tailor cancer prevention Singapore efforts and screening protocols effectively.

The Role of Family History in Colorectal Cancer

Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer approximately doubles an individual’s risk compared to the general population. This risk increases if multiple family members are affected, or if cancers occurred at a younger age. Inherited genetic mutations, such as those found in Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can drastically raise the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.

Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes

• Lynch Syndrome: Accounts for about 3% of colorectal cancers and involves mutations in genes responsible for DNA repair. People with Lynch syndrome also have elevated risks of other cancers, such as endometrial and ovarian cancer.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): A rare condition characterized by hundreds of polyps in the colon and rectum, greatly increasing colorectal cancer risk if untreated.

Genetic testing can identify these syndromes, allowing for preventive measures and close monitoring.

Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Singapore

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier and undergo more frequent surveillance than average-risk individuals. Screening methods include:

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Non-invasive annual stool test to detect blood.
• Colonoscopy: More frequent than in average-risk persons, colonoscopy allows direct visualization and removal of polyps.

Early detection through screening significantly reduces mortality and enables timely treatment.

Cancer Prevention Through Lifestyle and Surveillance

Along with screening, adopting a healthy lifestyle helps mitigate the increased genetic risk:

• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Avoiding processed meats and limiting red meat intake.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity.
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.

Public health campaigns in Singapore emphasize these lifestyle modifications in conjunction with screening for effective cancer prevention.

Taking Action Based on Family History

• Discuss your family history openly with your healthcare provider.
• Consider genetic counselling and testing if your history suggests hereditary cancer syndromes.
• Adhere to recommended screening schedules suited to your risk level.
• Encourage relatives also to be aware of their risk and screening options.

Understanding your family history is a powerful step in managing colorectal cancer genetic risk and benefiting from early intervention. Singapore’s focus on targeted colorectal cancer screening and comprehensive prevention strategies offers hope in reducing cancer impact across families and communities.

Disclaimer: The content for this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your oncologist with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this site.