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Consider genetic counseling

Up to 10% of colon cancers are caused by inherited genetic defects or mutations.

Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis are the most common colon-cancer-related genetic syndromes.

If you have one or more first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer or a related cancer, such as endometrial, and the disease appears in at least two successive generations in your family, talk to your doctor about whether you should have colon-cancer genetic testing.

More screening and, in some cases, preventive surgery, may help.

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