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Bob's Story
Bob was cancer-free but his father had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer around the age of 50. When Bob's brother developed colorectal cancer at a fairly early age, his physician offered genetic testing to the family. Bob's brother tested positive for a gene mutation that causes hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer syndrome that leads to an increased risk for colon cancer, along with other Lynch syndrome-related cancers. Bob wanted to undergo genetic testing to know his own cancer risk, as well as to provide his children information about their cancer risk. Bob said, "I wanted my children to know whether or not they could potentially have the defective gene." He underwent testing for the same gene mutation found in his brother. Bob tested negative and learned he did not have Lynch syndrome. He was relieved not only for himself, but also for his three children. Despite their strong family history of cancer, Bob and his children are not at increased risk for cancer and can follow general population screening guidelines.