Genetic Defect Calls For Colon Cancer Screening

Researchers have found a way to ease the burden of screening for people considered to be at high risk of colorectal cancer and other malignancies because of a suspected genetic defect. These people must now undergo frequent testing because their family history indicates that they have a syndrome called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). But perhaps half of those who meet the familial criteria for a common form of HNPCC don't have the genetic defect that causes the condition, claims a report in the April 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.