Facts to know about colorectal cancer and genetic testing

Labcorp shares 5 facts about colorectal cancer patient risk factors and recommendations for genetic testing

Genetic testing for patients with colorectal cancer can help inform potential next steps that may lead to better health outcomes. But recent research shows that not all patients who qualify for genetic services receive them.

Read on to learn more about colorectal cancer and why extending genetic testing options to more patients is important.

1. Colorectal cancer is more common than you think

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, affecting over 150,000 people annually. It’s also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, expected to cause about 55,230 deaths during 2026 alone.¹

But with early detection and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage colorectal cancer is found to be 92%.² That’s why genetic testing is vital to evaluating patients and helping provide a tailored care plan.

2. Early screening and detection are key

While the risk of colorectal cancer increases in both men and women after age 50, there’s no reason to wait to screen patients.

In fact, roughly 1 in 3 individuals with colorectal cancer have family members who had it. This risk increases with³:

• First-degree family members
• Family members diagnosed before age 50
• Multiple family members who received a diagnosis

As genetic testing becomes more accessible and the number of genes with targeted clinical management options increases, early screening can help more of your patients at risk for colorectal cancer.

3. As colorectal cancer rates fall, more younger people are being diagnosed

Thanks to advances in screening technology and improved guidelines regarding patient age and the frequency of screenings, overall rates of colorectal cancer have dropped.¹ According to the American Cancer Society, that’s mainly because more individuals are getting cancer screenings and making lifestyle changes.¹

However, if you look just below the surface, you’ll find another statistic: a 2.9% increase in colorectal cancer every year for people under the age of 50.¹  

In addition to the recommended screening, offering genetic testing may provide critical information for at-risk patients.

4. Nearly 1 in 6 colorectal cancer patients has an increased risk due to their genes

Data published in JAMA Oncology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology show that increased cancer risk is due to inherited gene variants in nearly 1 in 6 colorectal cancer patients.

About 5% of people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a genetic condition closely linked with colorectal cancer, including (among others)³:

• Lynch syndrome
• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• MUTYH-associated polyposis

Genetic testing can provide early identification of hereditary conditions that predispose patients to colorectal cancer. Early identification allows for increased surveillance and employing risk-reducing strategies in your patients.

5. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) expanded to more colorectal cancer patients

Now, more patients with colorectal cancer have access to hereditary cancer (known as germline) testing.

NCCN Guidelines® recommend germline multigene panel testing for all patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50 and in all patients with colorectal cancer that is mismatch repair (MMR) deficient. Germline multigene panel testing can be considered for patients without MMR deficiency diagnosed at or after age 50.⁴*

A benefit of having increased access to hereditary cancer testing is that people can receive a more detailed assessment of their and their family’s colorectal cancer risk.

What do these 5 facts mean for you and your patients?

With genetic cancer testing, we can now serve patients better, faster and easier—together.Offering genetic testing to patients with or at high risk of colorectal cancer can allow for personalized treatment and risk reduction strategies, enhanced surveillance, and enable informed family planning and cascade testing of at risk relatives.

Where should you start?

Expand genetic testing to more of your patients who are at high risk of developing colorectal cancer and all those who have already received a colorectal cancer diagnosis. You can also talk to your patients with colorectal cancer about the potential benefits of their family members receiving early screenings and genetic testing to determine if they may be at risk.

Colorectal cancer awareness need not be relegated to a single month. Making genetic testing the standard at your practice can improve the colorectal cancer care continuum for patients and their families.

It’s easy to get started. Invitae offers several test options, including the Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Guidelines-Based Panel and the Common Hereditary Cancers Panel 

*National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®): Germline multi-gene testing in patients with CRC aged 50 and older without a known MMR deficiency in the tumor is a NCCN Category 2B recommendation. For patients with CRC aged 50 years and older with a known MMR deficiency in the tumor, additional tumor testing may be recommended instead of germline multi-gene testing. 

References

1. American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer statistics: How common is colorectal cancer? Updated January 14, 2026. Accessed January 15, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html  
2. Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University. Colorectal Cancer: What’s Happening Inside My Body? Accessed January 14, 2026. https://www.foxchase.org/clinical-care/conditions/colorectal-cancer/about
3. American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer risk factors. Updated April 29, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
4. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric V.1.2025. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Accessed January 16, 2026. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.