Patients with the highest risk for the development of colorectal cancer are those with conditions that involve chronic hyperplasia or scarring of the colon, such as familial polyposis, ulcerative colitis, and to a lesser extent, Crohn's disease.

Colorectal cancers in these high-risk individuals account for only 6% of all colorectal cancers diagnosed in the United States.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer is increased two- to threefold in patients with prior adenomas and in first-degree relatives of patients with adenomas or colorectal cancer.

Copyright 2000