When a first-degree relative is diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 55, an individual's own risk of contracting the disease is 2-4 times higher than someone without a familial risk factor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is true. According to the American Cancer Society, having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 55 increases an individual's risk of developing the disease by 2-4 times compared to someone without a familial risk factor. This risk increases even further if multiple relatives had colorectal cancer or if the relative was diagnosed at a younger age. It is recommended that individuals with this familial risk factor start regular colorectal cancer screenings at an earlier age, usually around 40 or 10 years before the age of the affected relative at diagnosis.

When a First-Degree Relative Is Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer Before