MARCH 28, 2022

Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes

When to Refer for Genetic Evaluation

Laurel J. Smith, BSc
N. Jewel Samadder, MD, MSc, FRCPC, AGAF
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Department of Medicine
Department of Clinical Genomics
Mayo Clinic
Phoenix, Arizona

Genetic testing has become the mainstream approach for diagnosis of a number of syndromes that predispose people to gastrointestinal cancer. Between 3% and 6% of all gastrointestinal cancers are attributed to well-defined inherited syndromes. Identification of these patients through family history and appropriate