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Center for Jewish Genetics blog

Colorectal Cancer: Know Your Family Health History

(Jewish Genetic Disorders) Permanent link

For most people, colorectal cancer screening begins around age 50. But some people need to be screened earlier based on certain risk factors. 

According to the CDC, you may be more likely to get colorectal cancer if you have a family history of the disease or a related genetic syndrome (such as Lynch syndrome or FAP). Collecting your family health history and sharing it with your doctor can help her make appropriate screening recommendations –  such as when you should be screened and which method is best for you. Your ethnic background may also play a role in determining risk. For example, Ashkenazi Jews have higher rates of colorectal cancer than other ethnic groups. Learn more about colorectal cancer in the Jewish community.

March is colorectal cancer awareness month. It’s a good time to start a conversation with your family, if you haven’t already. The Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics offers resources to help you get started with your family health history and assess your cancer risk.

Read more on this topic from the CDC.

Last Edited by Sarah_16 at 3/17/2017 3:36 PM
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