Genetics and screening in Colon cancer

Dear Ask The Doctor: I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIN STOOLS FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW. I HAVE ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING VERY SOFT STOOLS. I HAVEN'T MADE ANY DIET CHANGES RECENTLY EXCEPT TO GIVE UP DIET SODA AND SPLENDA. I AM A 41 YEAR OLD FEMALE. MY MOTHER'S SISTER DIED FROM COLON CANCER AT AGE 48. NO OTHER SYMPTOMS EXCEPT NOW MY NERVES ARE COMPLETELY SHOT. DO I HAVE SOMETHING TO TRULY WORRY ABOUT?

Dear MICHELE: There are a number of genetic syndromes associated with an increased risk of colon cancer including: Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC, also known as Lynch Syndrome); Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP); Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP); MYH associated adenomatous polyposis (MAP); Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS); Familial juvenile polyposis coli (FJP). The general recommendation is that screening should begin at age 40 if there is a history of early colorectal cancer in a first-degree relative. A more specific recommendation is to begin screening 10 years before the age the cancer was diagnosed in the affected relative, to take into account the additional increase in risk related to especially early onset in the family member. I advise if there is a strong family history attending your family doctor for referral to a specialist gastroenterologist and organization of a suitable screening programme.