Genetic risk

Some bowel cancers are linked to genetic conditions, which run in families. Your risk of developing bowel cancer may be higher if you have a family history.

Inherited risk factors

If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you may be worried about developing it yourself. While some bowel cancers are linked to an inherited genetic condition, it’s important to remember that not all bowel cancer is a result of inherited risk.

People with certain inherited genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome, FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis) and MAP (MUTYH Associated Polyposis), are at an increased risk of developing bowel cancer, and they are more likely to be younger when diagnosed.

However, if you are diagnosed with one of these genetic conditions, risk-reducing strategies, such as increased screening, means that many of these cancers can be avoided or caught at an early stage.

More about Lynch syndrome

What is Lynch syndrome?

Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Dr Anju Kulkarni, at HCA UK at The Shard, explains more about genetic testing and Lynch syndrome.

Read our Q & A on Lynch syndrome

Mo’s Story - Living with Lynch syndrome

“It might sound cliché, but knowledge really is power when it comes to Lynch. Know your risk, and ensure your family knows their risk too.”
After losing his Dad to cancer when he was just 2 years old, Mo Haque was himself diagnosed with bowel cancer at 31 years old. He later found out that his cancer was Lynch-related, Mo shares his bowel cancer story and tells us what it’s like to live with Lynch syndrome.