Does a family history of colon cancer increase my risk?
Does a family history of colon cancer increase my risk? Most colon cancer occurs in people with no family history of the disease. But, colon cancer can run in the family. Whether you’re at increased risk depends on which family member was diagnosed and at what age. Answer: If a first-degree relative is diagnosed with colon cancer at age 60 or older, the diagnosis doesn’t increase your risk. Parents, siblings, and children are all considered first-degree relatives. If a first-degree relative is diagnosed with colon cancer before the age of 60, it does impact your risk. So if your mom were to be diagnosed with colon cancer at age 55, you’d be considered at increased risk for colon cancer. You’d also be considered at increased risk if two or more first-degree relatives were diagnosed with colon cancer at any age. According to the American Cancer Society, if you fall into the category of increased risk, you should follow these screening guidelines: • Get a
