Colon cancer risk tested

Doctors at U.Va.’s Digestive Health Center are using DNA tests to identify people with an increased risk for colorectal cancer because of inherited changes in their DNA.

These tests are important because, along with this cancer being the second most deadly cancer in America, it is the only cancer that can be almost completely prevented — if cancer-causing polyps in the colon can be removed before they become malignant.

“Studies show an almost two-fold increase in risk, 1.7 times more likely, if just one first-degree relative [father, mother or sibling] shows traits,” said Dr. Steven Powell, assistant professor of gastroenterology at the center.