Here are some of the preventive steps you and your doctor can take if your genetic test indicates a risk of developing an inherited cancer.
Increased
Surveillance
Colonoscopy
every one to two years beginning at age 20-25 or 5-10 years before
the earliest age of a diagnosed colorectal cancer in your family,
whichever comes first. Colonoscopy annually after age 40.
Preventive Surgery
- If colon cancer (or an advanced precancerous polyp) is
diagnosed in a patient with
HNPCC,
a full, rather than partial, colectomy is recommended.
- In carefully selected people, for example, those not willing or able to undergo periodic screening, preventive colectomy may be an option based on a positive genetic test result for HNPCC.
Preventive Drug Therapies for
Colorectal Cancer
Different drugs for the prevention of colorectal cancer are
currently being researched for individuals with HNPCC. None of
these drugs are currently approved by the FDA for this purpose.
Increased Surveillance for
Endometrial Cancer
Gynecologic exam,
transvaginal
ultrasound, endometrial aspirate, and
CA-125
every 1-2 years, starting at age 25-35.
Preventive Surgery for Endometrial
and Ovarian Cancer
Removal of the uterus and ovaries may be an option if colorectal
cancer is detected and may also be considered when childbearing is
concluded.
Increased Surveillance for Other
HNPCC-Related
Cancers
These screening guidelines are necessary in some situations:
- For stomach cancer, gastroscopy every 1-2 years starting at age 30-35.
- For urinary tract cancer, ultrasonography or urine cytology every 1-2 years starting at age 30-35.
» Understanding Inherited Colorectal Cancer: Adenomatous Polyposis Syndromes
A genetic test for hereditary nonpolyposis
colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
