What are the genetic characteristics of rectal cancer

When giving birth to the next generation, one of the issues that parents are most concerned about is genetics. After all, every parent hopes that their children are healthy and happy. What if the child also inherits the disease of the parents? Recently, many newlyweds have consulted about some issues related to the inheritance of rectal cancer. So, is rectal cancer hereditary? What are the genetic characteristics? For this question, we listen to the experts' explanation.

Genetics is an important factor in colorectal adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer. Clinically, there are two types of patients with more prominent genetic factors, one is familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and the other is hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), which also includes site-specific colorectal cancer and cancer family syndrome. Except for these two types of patients, they are all called sporadic cases.

FAP is an autosomal dominant genetic disease with a 95% penetrance. Children have a 50% chance of getting the disease. If the disease is not treated, it will eventually turn into cancer.

Data from colonoscopy shows that first-generation relatives of patients with colon cancer have a 2-fold risk of adenomatous polyps. If a patient with colon cancer is diagnosed at age <55 or has multiple tumors, the risk of their family developing colon cancer increases, and even several generations may develop colon cancer.

As for so-called sporadic colorectal cancer, it is now found that the familial risk increases. The risk of this malignancy increases 2 to 3 times in the first generation relatives of patients with colon cancer. Relatives of patients with colorectal adenomas also have the same risk of colorectal cancer. Studies of these relatives show that the increased familial risk is due to a mild to moderate genetic susceptibility. This susceptibility exists in most or even the vast majority of patients with colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps.

Rectal cancer is not a genetic disease, but there is a family genetic tendency. It can only be said that rectal cancer is related to genetic factors, but it does not mean that it will definitely be passed on to the next generation. Existing data show that genetic factors determine an individual's susceptibility to colorectal cancer, while environmental factors regulate this susceptibility.

If there is a family member with colorectal cancer, the risk of colorectal cancer in the offspring will be greater, so more attention should be paid to prevention in diet and lifestyle. In daily life, pay more attention to relevant health knowledge, have a positive attitude, and do regular anti-cancer physical examinations.

The above is the expert's answer to the genetic problem of rectal cancer. You can learn more about it. Of course, no matter what, we must have a positive attitude and have confidence in the treatment of rectal cancer. At the same time, paying more attention to physical cultivation is also a good way to treat rectal cancer.