Hereditary Colorectal Cancer in China: Current Status and Progress

Background: Hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for about 5% of the total incidence of CRC. During the last decades, there have been great advances in the research of hereditary CRC in China. Summary: This review mainly focuses on advances of the genetic basis, clinicopathological features, diagnosis, chemoprevention and treatment of hereditary CRC in China. Key Message: Hereditary CRC has a higher risk to initiate the progression towards neoplasia than sporadic CRC. It can be diagnosed by clinical manifestation or the relevant genetic testing so as to guide the clinical treatment to improve the survival rate and survival quality of patients. Practical Implications: Hereditary CRC includes hereditary nonpolyposis CRC (Lynch syndrome), familial adenomatous polyposis and other rare types such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and familial juvenile polyposis. Based on the clinical manifestations and family history, highly suspected cases can be screened for in the general population and the diagnosis ruled out by genetic analysis. Then, chemoprevention, endoscopic intervention or surgery can be selected properly to improve patients' survival and quality of life.