Chapter 11 – Colorectal Cancer

The development of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multistep process, starting from benign precursor lesions in the epithelium of the colon or rectum, referred to as polyps, that have the potential to evolve in colorectal carcinomas by the sequential acquisition of specific genetic alterations. Hereditary genetic factors play a major role in the onset of CRC, and approximately 5% of CRCs can be explained by germ line mutations in one of the high-penetrance CRC predisposing genes. Early detection of mutations in CRC predisposing genes greatly facilitates cancer prevention and clinical decision-making in patients and families at risk. In this chapter, we will outline the current status and directions in CRC susceptibility research and discuss their implications.