It’s the UK’s fourth most common cancer and one of the most preventable. Colorectal cancer genetic screening helps you take control before symptoms ever start.
Close to 2 million cases are diagnosed on a year basis according to the WHO.
The slightly higher prevelance in men can be explain by a mix of biology (hormones), lifestyle differences, and healthcare habits.
While about 30% are caused by inherited genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome or FAP or familial history.
Responsible to close to 1 million deaths a year according to the WHO.
Disclaimer! The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Colorectal cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells can form a lump or tumour, and in some cases, may spread to other parts of the body. The colon and rectum are part of the digestive system, helping to absorb nutrients and remove waste from the body.
Most colorectal cancers start as small growths called polyps on the inner lining of the bowel. While most polyps are harmless, some can turn into cancer over time. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women, typically developing after the age of 50. Like many cancers, colorectal cancer genetic screening and early detection is key, as it can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, or related cancers such as bowel, uterine, or ovarian cancer, you may want to consider colorectal cancer genetic testing. Inherited changes (mutations) in genes such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and APC can significantly raise the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Testing can help you find out whether you carry one of these genetic changes, providing valuable information for your future health and your family's.
You might be at higher risk if you have two or more close relatives who have had colorectal cancer, if someone in your family was diagnosed at a young age (under 50), or if you have a known inherited condition like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent may also have a higher risk for certain gene mutations linked to colorectal cancer. Research suggests that about 5-10% of all colorectal cancers are caused by inherited genetic changes. Understanding your genetic risk can open up options for early screening, preventative care, or even risk-reducing treatments.
These symptoms are common to many less serious conditions, but if they are new, persistent, or worsening, it’s important to speak to a doctor. Early diagnosis, especially when combined with colorectal cancer genetic screening, can make a big difference to treatment outcomes.
Colorectal cancer can develop due to a range of factors, including increasing age, diet, lifestyle choices (such as smoking or lack of physical activity), and personal or family medical history. However, in many cases, there is no single known cause.
Inherited genetic mutations play a role in about 5-10% of colorectal cancers. Conditions such as Lynch syndrome (caused by mutations in mismatch repair genes like MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2) and FAP (caused by mutations in the APC gene) greatly increase the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. Genetic testing can help detect these inherited risks, allowing for earlier monitoring and preventative strategies.
Screening plays a crucial role in detecting colorectal cancer early. Common tests include the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which checks for hidden blood in the stool, and colonoscopy, where the bowel is examined using a camera to spot and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.
If you are concerned about inherited risk, genetic testing can identify mutations linked to conditions like Lynch syndrome and FAP. Knowing your genetic status helps you and your healthcare team make informed decisions about regular screening, preventative options, and family risk management.
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the size, location, stage, and whether the cancer has spread. Surgery is often the first step, aiming to remove the tumour. Additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapies may be used depending on the case.
For individuals with inherited genetic mutations, treatment and prevention strategies might also include regular colonoscopies, preventative surgery, or increased screening from a younger age. Your care team will work with you to find the most effective and personalised treatment plan, focusing on both successful outcomes and maintaining quality of life.
We offer expert advice and testing for a range of genes that may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
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If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer , or ovarian cancer, you may be at higher risk of inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or FAP.
Red flags include: two or more close relatives with colorectal cancer, diagnoses under age 50, or a known mutation in genes like MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or APC. Around 5-10% of colorectal cancers are inherited.
At Jeen, genetic testing helps uncover these risks early, so you and your family can take proactive steps with personalised care.
Inherited forms of colorectal cancer, like Lynch syndrome and FAP, follow an autosomal dominant pattern. This means if one parent carries the gene, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Knowing your genetic risk early can make a big difference. At Jeen, our at-home test checks for these inherited changes, with expert support to guide your next steps, so you can take control with confidence.
Around 5–10% of colon cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations. These often involve genes like MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM, which help repair DNA. When they don’t work properly, cancer risk increases.
Other genes like APC and MUTYH also play a role, with different inheritance patterns. Jeen’s at-home genetic test checks for these mutations, helping you understand your risk and take action early.
Genetic testing can’t tell you exactly when colorectal cancer might develop, but it can reveal inherited mutations like in MLH1 or MSH2 that increase your lifetime risk. This information helps doctors recommend when to start screening and how often to monitor.
At Jeen, our at-home genetic test provides clear insights and expert support to help you take action early and plan personalised care with confidence.
Yes, genetic counselling will help you in understanding your colorectal cancer test results.
At Jeen, our expert counsellors explain what your results mean, especially if mutations like MLH1, PMS2, or MSH2 are found. They’ll guide you through your personal risk, help plan next steps like screening, and discuss what it means for your family, so you can make informed, confident decisions about your health.
Genetic testing doesn’t diagnose colon cancer, but it can reveal inherited gene changes that increase your risk, like those linked to Lynch syndrome or FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis).
At Jeen, our at-home DNA test checks for these key mutations, helping you understand your personal risk before symptoms appear. With expert guidance, you can take proactive steps like early screening or prevention tailored to your results.
Yes, genetic testing can identify inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or FAP, which raise the risk of colorectal and related cancers. You don’t need symptoms or a strong family history to benefit.
At Jeen, our at-home DNA test looks for key gene changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. With expert support, you’ll get clear answers and the chance to take proactive steps for your health and your family’s future.
Jeen’s genetic testing is designed for clinical-grade accuracy. We use 50x DNA sequencing, meaning each section of your DNA is read about 50 times to spot inherited changes with confidence. This high-depth approach helps detect key mutations in genes like MLH1, MSH2, and PMS2, linked to hereditary bowel cancer.
While no test predicts the future, ours gives you trusted insight to take control of your health early.
Colorectal cancer genetic testing is available on the NHS if you meet certain criteria like a strong family history. Your NHS GP, private GP or specialist can refer you to a genetic counselling service, but NHS testing may be limited to key genes and involve longer wait times.
Private genetic testing, like Jeen’s, is available without referral, offers broader gene panels, and delivers faster results. We provide clear pricing and expert guidance, so you can take control without delay.
Colorectal genetic testing at Jeen uses a simple buccal swab- a quick, non-invasive way to collect DNA from the inside of your cheek.
Our at-home kit makes it easy to take your sample in comfort, with no blood test or clinic visit required. Once returned, your DNA is analysed in a certified lab using high-accuracy sequencing to deliver clear, reliable result, all from home.
Our team of expert Genetic Counsellors is here to help. Whether you're curious about testing, your results, or what’s right for you — we're just a message away.
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