High-risk

High-risk of colorectal cancer can have other reasons than hereditary syndromes. 

If you have a close relative diagnosed with the disease, your risk can be slightly higher (2 or 3 times). In this case, it is recommended that you start colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy earlier than usual.

If you have at least: 

a) A first-degree relative with CCR or a history of adenomas

b) Two second-degree relatives with CCR

Your family doctor should be informed, so he/she can discuss your risk of the disease.

Your doctor will need your family history of different cancers, type of tumors and other relevant clinical information. Examples include a history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (forms of inflammatory bowel disease) or adenomas (often known as polyps).

Enquire with your doctor about starting colorectal cancer screenings earlier: around the age of 40, instead of 50 

However, individuals with:

A first-degree relative with CRC or adenomas, diagnosed before the age of 60 or 

Two first-degree relatives with CRC 

should initiate colorectal cancer screenings by total colonoscopy (looking at the entire large intestine/bowel) from the age of 40, or 10 years before the diagnosis age of the relative who developed the disease earlier (whatever resulting in the younger age to start). These colonoscopies should be repeated every 5 years.