Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US and the third most recently linked to cancer deaths. The national annual incidence rate of colorectal cancer is approximately 148,000+, striking slightly more females than males. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is 5-6%, however patients with a familial risk (with two or more first or second degree relatives) make up 20% of the patients. Persons who carry genetic mutations linked to hereditary colorectal cancer are the most likely to develop the disease.

Early detection of colorectal cancers is a significant and relatively recent achievement. Persons who carry genetic mutations linked to hereditary colorectal cancer make up 20% of the patient population. With the advent of molecular genetics and the description of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, clinicians and genetic counselors are able to use genetic predisposition testing as an effective and important way to identify patients and families affected by inherited colorectal cancer syndromes. Hereditary Colorectal Cancer is a comprehensive collection that documents not only Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and the Lynch syndrome, but also less understood syndromes, including the Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndromes and MutYH Associated Polyposis. Internationally recognized clinicians and researchers further delve into the evolution and potential of syndromes, genes and molecular alterations that have yet to be defined. Instrumental experts in this field of discovery were carefully selected by the section editors to create this premier reference work for clinicians, scientists and researchers confronted with the treatment and management of hereditary colorectal cancer.