Chemotherapy has been suggested for some forms of colonic or rectal cancers. Since your appetite may be affected, the dietitian will help you work out ways to ensure good nutrition during this period. The only way to find out whether you are at risk for hereditary colon cancer is to take preventive steps. This, in turn, will allow you to have the appropriate screening test to meet your needs, based on your age and your family history of cancer. Research has allowed the identification of the genes responsible for hereditary colon cancer.
Genetic testing is feasible to identify the diseased gene in a family.
This usually starts from testing family members who have already developed cancers. Result of molecular genetic testing will further assist in defining your cancer risk so that the most appropriate screening plan can be devised for you. Contact the Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry based at Queen Mary Hospital to learn more about your family cancer pattern. A family tree will be developed so that you can understand your own risk and that of your first-degree relatives. The Registry can provide more information concerning current treatment and research on hereditary colon cancer.