Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common, affecting approximately 140,000 individuals annually in the United States. The average person has a 5% lifetime risk to develop CRC. As with all cancers, CRC develops due to a combination of genetic, biologic, and environment factors interacting together. Approximately 5-10% cases of CRC are due to a hereditary syndrome, where a single gene alteration conveys a high risk of CRC and sometimes other cancers. The resources below provide opportunities to learn about hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, how to use family history to assess risk level, genetic testing, using genetic information to inform management, and communicating with patients about genetic risk.

About Colorectal Cancer

Lynch Syndrome Factsheet. Describes the clinical features, diagnosis, testing and genetics of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer).

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Factsheet. Describes the clinical features, diagnosis, testing and genetics of familial adenomatous polyopsis (FAP) and attenuated FAP.

MUTYH-Associated Adenomatous Polyposis Factsheet. Describes the clinical features, diagnosis, testing and genetics of MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP).

Genetically Related Cancers Tool. Lists the associated cancers and unique characteristics of common cancer susceptibility genes.

Clinical Resources

Targeted Colorectal and Polyp Family History Tool. Lists key questions and guidance for collecting a family history targeted toward colorectal cancer.

Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. Helps identify red flags and stratify cancer risk based on family history.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Factsheet. Summarizes professional society guidance about screening for individuals at average, increased, and high risk of colorectal cancer.

Family History Collection Tips & Tools. Provides tips, resources, and tools for family history collection in clinical practice.

Family History Questionnaire. A collection form for medical family history data that can be printed and used in clinical practice.

Pedigree Tool. A template to record a pedigree with standard pedigree nomenclature.

Hereditary Cancer Management Guidelines Factsheet. Lists and links to evidence-based guidelines and professional society publications that address management of hereditary and familial cancer.

Genetic Testing Methods eBook. Provides information about different genetic testing methods currently used in testing for hereditary cancer syndromes (enhanced e-book available for download).

Communicating Risk Factsheet. Outlines key points to consider when communicating risk to patients.

Pretest Counseling Key Points Factsheet. Outlines key points to address during pretest counseling.

Components of a Cancer Genetic Counseling Session Factsheet. Discusses the core components of a cancer genetic counseling session.

Cancer Genetic Services in Maine and Connecticut Tool. Lists available cancer genetic services in Maine and Connecticut.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues

GINA Discussion Guide. Provides talking points and key information about genetic discrimination and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which protects individuals from the misuse of genetic information in health insurance and employment.

Online Courses

Free, self-directed programs for continuing education credit.

Genetic Testing for Colorectal Cancer Risk

Practice evaluating the fit between a patient's history and a particular genetic test for hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.
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Collecting Family History

Practice asking the right questions to elicit enough information to assess family history disease risk and get tools to implement your skills.
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Categorizing Cancer Risk 

Analyze family histories and classify patients' risk into average, increased (moderate), or high risk for cancer.
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Using Family History to Inform Management

Practice determining appropriate management based on family history risk stratification.
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Identifying Red Flags and Patterns That Increase Risk 

Practice identifying risk factors in case scenarios and receive tools to help make this task easy to implement in your practice.
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Pretest Decisions and Counseling

Practice deciding when and if genetic testing is appropriate given a patient's clinical and personal context.
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Interpreting Genetic Testing Results

Practice interpreting genetic testing results within a patient's specific context. 
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Genetic Testing Technology

Practice weighing the benefits, risks, and limitations of different tests within specific patient contexts.
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