Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes.

OBJECTIVES: To review the most common hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes with known associated mutated genes, associated cancer risks, and current screening and prevention current.

DATA SOURCES: Online search of PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Medline, review of the literature for each syndrome described.

CONCLUSION: Hereditary colon cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all colorectal cancers in the United States. There are multiple hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes known with respective associated genetic mutations, cancer risks, and screening and prevention recommendations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses at all levels of practice need to be knowledgeable about the various hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes to guide appropriate referral to a genetics professional and to provide appropriate care to these high-risk individuals.