Inherited Risk for Colorectal Cancer: Practical Approaches for Identification, Referral and Management COLORECTAL CANCER: AN UPDATE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND PREVENTION, SERIES #6

The field of medical genetics is rapidly advancing. Genetic testing is now available for most hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes and identification of individuals at risk is necessary for cancer prevention and management. It is essential that medical genetics be implemented by those at the gateway for identification of these syndromes including primary care providers, gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons and oncologists. Here we review the most common causes of hereditary CRC, present “red flags” for identification of high-risk patients, and discuss the roles providers can play in coordinating care for high-risk individuals and families. Resources to help implement strategies for identifying high-risk into practice are also provided.