Research has shown that this process takes years to occur. Once a colorectal and polyps becomes malignant it may spread outside the colon and rectum travel to nearby lymph nodes . Colorectal cancer can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, brain, kidneys, and bladder. This history includes colorectal cancer occurring in three or more family members, over two or more generations with at least one person with colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 50. The progression from benign polyps to cancer may occur faster than in non-inherited forms of cancer.
Genes come in pairs with one copy inherited from each parent.
Individuals who have not inherited the gene can not pass the gene to their children. There is also an increased risk of developing some other types of cancer. Two children did inherit the gene. The children who did not inherit the gene can not pass the disease on to their children. These genes are hMSH2 found on chromosome 2, and hMLH1 found on chromosome 3.