Treatment of Colon Cancer at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

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Colon Cancer Genetics

According to the National Institutes of Health, 95% of all colon and rectal cancer occurs on a sporadic basis. This means that genetic mutation (change) seems to happen spontaneously within the individual. In 5% of cases, however, a predisposition to the cancer is passed down generationally from parent to child in the form of mutated genes. Families affected in this way have a higher risk of developing colon and rectal cancer, and the cancer tends to occur at an earlier age than the non-inherited form.  For men and women alike, there is a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated genes from an affected parent. 

Two types of colon cancer are known to be hereditary. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has been linked to the APC gene found on human chromosome 5.  FAP causes the growth of many polyps within the colon.There are more than 300 different mutations of the APC gene. For those who inherit this mutated gene the chance of developing colon cancer by age 40 is nearly 100%. 

Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch Syndrome, is associated with gene mutations occurring in various chromosomes.  MSH2, MSH6, PMS1 occur within chromosome 2.  MLH1 occurs on chromosome 3; and PMS2 occurs on chromosome 7. Those inheriting these gene mutations have an 80% lifetime risk of developing colon cancer. 

Genetic testing is able to identify individuals who carry the gene mutations related to FAP and HNPCC.  However, the testing is limited as it may not detect all of the gene mutations. There is no treatment for an individual identified as carrying the mutated gene. Prior to undertaking genetic testing it is wise to consult a genetic counselor.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, they offer integrative, whole person care. Contact one of their representatives all day, every day by phone or online chat. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has Hospitals in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Zion Illinois, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Goodyear Arizona. For more information on their integrative treatment options for colon cancer, call today.

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