Fact:At least 6 out of every 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 141,210 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 49,380 people died of colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US.

Fact:Overall, 90% of new cases and 94% of deaths occur in individuals 50 and older.

Fact:Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest in African American men and women.

Fact:One of the most consistently reported relationships between colon cancer risk and behavior is the protective effect of physical activity.

Fact:The goals of screening for colorectal cancer are the prevention of cancer through the detection and removal of precancerous growths and the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage.

Diseases

Lynch Syndrome

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Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer Syndrome

Approximately 10% of all cancers are hereditary. Lynch syndrome is a rare, but highly under diagnosed, inherited condition that increases your risk of colon cancer and other cancers. Lynch syndrome has historically been known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer in those with Lynch syndrome is 83%.

A number of inherited syndromes can increase your risk of colon cancer, but Lynch syndrome is the most common. Doctors estimate that 3 out of every 100 colon cancers are caused by Lynch syndrome. Approximately 600,000 individuals within the United States are projected to have Lynch syndrome, however less than 5% of that number have been diagnosed.

Approximately 145,000 people per year get colon cancer and one in every 35 persons with colon cancer have Lynch syndrome. Families that have Lynch syndrome usually have more cases of colon cancer than would typically be expected. Lynch syndrome also causes colon cancer to occur at an earlier age than it might in the general population.

Lynch-Related Cancers & Lifetime Risks

Colon Cancer: 83% vs. General Population 2%
Endometrial Cancer: 60% vs. General Population 1%
Stomach: 13% vs. General Population 1%
Ovarian: 12% vs. General Population 1%
Other Associated Cancers:
- Breast
- Kidney
- Small Intestine
- Liver

Diagnosis
The most important step in determining your risk for Lynch syndrome is an accurate and detailed family history of all cancers.
The criteria for Lynch syndrome diagnosis is:

Three or more family members with Lynch-related cancers, one of whom is a first degree relative of the other two
Two successive affected generations
One or more of the Lynch-related cancers diagnosed under age 50 years
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) has been excluded

You can use the following online tool to help assess if your family may suffer from Lynch syndrome: Lynch Syndrome Calculator
If your family meets the criteria for Lynch syndrome, genetic counseling and genetic testing may be recommended.

A yearly colonoscopy is recommended for screening in those individuals and related family members identified as having Lynch syndrome.

You should notify your primary care provider and gynecologist if you are diagnosed with Lynch syndrome in order to set up appropriate screening for all Lynch-related cancers.