What are the options available for those people with a positive family history?
If a positive family history is present, children at risk may be screened for a gene mutation with a genetic test. They should also start having sigmoidoscopies or colonoscopies starting at 10 or 12 years of age and repeated every 6 to 12 months to look for the presence of polyps. Once numerous polyps start developing surgery is planned. The good news about these diseases is that the surgical options are very good and now the colon can often be removed by a mini-or laparoscopic approach. The bowel is put directly back together and no bag is necessary. People move their bowels normally.
