Editorials

Screening for people with a family history of colorectal cancer

People with one or more first degree relatives affected by colorectal cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease themselves,^{1 2 3} especially if a relative was affected at an early age (before age 45).^{2 3} The excess risk is even more marked if the unaffected person reports a family history when aged less than 45.¹. Hence, many centres offer colonoscopy every three years or even more frequently to people fulfilling the following criteria: one first degree relative affected by colorectal cancer before the age of 45; two affected first degree relatives; evidence of dominant familial cancer trait including colorectal, uterine, and other cancers. However, in practice even less restrictive criteria are employed. We wish to highlight some concerns about targeting invasive screening using criteria based on family history and to encourage further debate on this issue.

About 10% of patients with colorectal cancer have one or more first degree relatives . . . [Full text of this article]

Focus on cumulative absolute risks

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Relevant Article

Prevention of colorectal cancer by colonoscopic surveillance in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer: 16 year, prospective, follow-up study

Isis Dove-Edwin, Peter Sasieni, Joanna Adams, and Huw J W Thomas
BMJ 2005 331: 1047. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Dove-Edwin, I., Sasieni, P., Adams, J., Thomas, H. J W (2005). Prevention of colorectal cancer by colonoscopic surveillance in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer: 16 year, prospective, follow-up study. BMJ 331: 1047- [Abstract] [Full text]  
• Dunlop, M G (2002). Guidance on large bowel surveillance for people with two first degree relatives with colorectal cancer or one first degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer under 45 years. Gut 51: v17-20 [Full text]  
• Hassan, A. B., Macaulay, V. M. (2002). The insulin-like growth factor system as a therapeutic target in colorectal cancer. Ann Oncol 13: 349-356 [Abstract] [Full text]  
• (2001). Sequential occurrence within three years in a premenopausal woman of cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Postgrad. Med. J. 77: 347e-347 [Full text]  
• RHODES, J. (2000). Colorectal cancer screening in the UK: Joint Position Statement by the British Society of Gastroenterology, the Royal College of Physicians, and the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. Gut 46: 746-748 [Full text]  
• Ponder, B. (1997). Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk. Science 278: 1050-1054 [Abstract] [Full text]