Colorectal polyps ‘raise cancer risk for close family’

The risk is similar to having first degree relatives with colorectal cancer and suggests a need for early screening, the researchers say
Clare Pain
family tree

People who have a parent or sibling with a history of colorectal polyps are at increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly early onset disease, a large registry study suggests.

The findings back screening of these patients before the age of 50 when two or more first-degree relatives have had polyps or when one close relative has had a polyp diagnosed before age 60, the authors say.