Colorectal Cancer Risk Management
Learn about national guidelines and options for colorectal cancer screening and prevention.Colorectal Cancer Risk Management
Every person is at risk for colorectal cancer and the risk increases with age. The average lifetime risk for colorectal cancer is about 4 percent. This means that 1 out of every 25 people will get colorectal cancer in their lifetime, usually after age 60. People with an inherited mutation in one of the genes listed below have a higher-than-average risk for colorectal cancer, often at a younger age.
Genetic counseling and testing can help you learn if you have an inherited mutation in one of these genes. There are different expert guidelines for colorectal cancer risk management, which are based on your level of risk. See below for more information about different risk -management options. Speak with your healthcare provider to decide on a risk management plan and schedule that is right for you.
In the News
Study: Resistant starch may help prevent some cancers in people with Lynch syndrome
This study looked at whether a type of nutrient known as resistant starch could lower the risk of cancers in people with Lynch Syndrome. Researchers found that resistant starch can reduce the risk of non-colorectal...
Risk-Management Options
Screening
Most colorectal cancers start as an abnormal growth known as a polyp. The goal of screening is to find and remove polyps and growths before they can turn into cancer. If cancer has already formed, early detection can help improve a person’s chance of survival.
Medications to Reduce Risk
Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to lower the risk for colorectal cancer in people with an increased risk for cancer.
Surgery to Reduce Risk
Colectomy is surgery to remove some or all of the colon. People with a very high risk for colorectal cancer, may choose to have colectomy to lower their risk. Read more about the guidelines and different types of surgery options for high risk people.
Participate in Colorectal Cancer Research
Below are some of our featured research studies looking at new ways to screen for or prevent colorectal cancer. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.
Cancer Prevention Vaccine (Nous-209) for People with Lynch Syndrome
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05078866
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05552755
Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer for People with Lynch Syndrome
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05410977
Studying the Use of Naproxen and Aspirin for Cancer Prevention in People with Lynch Syndrome
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05411718