title: Basic concepts for genetic testing in common hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.
abstract: Approximately 5% of colorectal cancers are associated with one of the autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndromes. The two most common familial colon cancer syndromes are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). The causative mutation can be identified in many families with these syndromes by genetic testing of an affected individual. If an affected individual tests positive for a disease-causing mutation, genetic testing of unaffected, at-risk family members can be performed to determine whether they have inherited the cancer-susceptibility mutation, and a personalized cancer surveillance strategy can be devised. Genetic testing significantly enhances cancer risk assessment in these families. However, the complicated nature of result interpretation and the emotional impact of the result necessitate that testing be carried out in conjunction with patient education and informed consent by a physician who has a keen appreciation for the inherent challenges. This article describes the genetic testing strategy in HNPCC and FAP.
authors.affiliation: Denver Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Colorado Hospital Hereditary Cancer Clinic, 1055 Clermont Street, Denver, CO 80220, USA.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Markey
authors.forename: Lisen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Axel
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ahnen
mesh_terms: D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D009386:Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity