Can Bowel Cancer Run in Families?

Bowel cancer can sometimes run in families. Having a family history does not mean you will definitely develop bowel cancer, but it may increase your risk and may affect when screening should begin.

This article is for general information only. If you have a family history of bowel cancer or polyps, speak with your doctor about your personal risk and screening plan.

Family History and Risk

Your risk may be higher if a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, has had bowel cancer. Risk may also be higher if several relatives have had bowel cancer or if cancer happened at a younger age.

CDC notes that family health history can affect colorectal cancer risk, and people at increased risk may need earlier or more frequent testing. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Inherited Conditions

Some inherited conditions can significantly increase bowel cancer risk. These include Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis. These conditions are not the cause of most bowel cancers, but they are important when present.

Genetic Counselling

If your doctor thinks your family history suggests an inherited condition, you may be referred for genetic counselling. A genetic counsellor can explain testing, family implications and screening options.

For related testing information, read our Molecular Testing for Bowel Cancer article.

What to Tell Your Doctor

Try to tell your doctor which relatives had bowel cancer or polyps, their age at diagnosis and whether other cancers have occurred in the family.

Even incomplete information can be useful when discussing risk.

Screening With Family History

People with higher risk may need screening earlier than average-risk adults or may need colonoscopy at different intervals. Your doctor can recommend a plan based on your family history and local guidelines.

For more, read our Screening Tests for Bowel Cancer guide.

Final Thoughts

Bowel cancer can run in families, but family history is only one part of risk. Talk with your doctor if bowel cancer, polyps or related cancers have affected close relatives.