APC

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, usually from polyps that turn cancerous over years. An inherited predisposition raises lifetime risk and shifts it earlier, so it is highly preventable with earlier, more frequent colonoscopy that finds and removes polyps before they progress.

Endocrine cancers affect hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands or pancreatic islet cells. Inherited variants can drive tumours in one or more of these glands, so awareness supports periodic hormone testing and imaging to catch changes early.

Gastric (stomach) cancer forms in the lining of the stomach. Some inherited variants raise its risk, occasionally as a hard-to-detect diffuse type, so carriers may be offered specialist endoscopic surveillance or, in high-risk syndromes, preventive options.

Cancers of the nervous system and brain arise in the brain, spinal cord or their supporting tissues. Some inherited syndromes raise the risk of these tumours, so awareness supports prompt assessment of new neurological symptoms and, where indicated, imaging surveillance.

Pancreatic cancer arises in the pancreas and is often found late. Some inherited variants raise its risk, so carriers may be offered specialist surveillance (MRI or endoscopic ultrasound), which aims to catch changes at a more treatable stage.

Sarcomas are cancers of connective tissues such as bone, muscle, fat and cartilage. Certain inherited syndromes raise their risk, so awareness supports prompt assessment of unexplained lumps or bone pain and, in some syndromes, imaging surveillance.