Genetic Testing for Colorectal Cancer

Know Your Risk. Protect Your Future.
The comprehensive hereditary breast cancer panel screens for genetic variants most strongly associated with breast cancer risk, giving you and your family the knowledge to take proactive steps toward better health.

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

When an inherited gene mutation is present, early detection becomes even more powerful and necessary. The hereditary cancer test identifies the gene changes most commonly linked to colorectal cancer, so you can stay ahead of it.

Get started with hereditary cancer testing

Why is Colon Cancer Genetic Testing Important?

Colon Cancer Is Highly Treatable When Caught Early

About 3% to 5%¹ of all colorectal cancer cases are caused by Lynch syndrome, making it the most common hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome.

Hereditary forms of colon cancer often develop earlier than the age of diagnosis in the general population. Knowing your inherited risk means you and your doctor can put the right monitoring plan in place long before symptoms appear. Early colonoscopy can save lives. People who know they carry an increased risk of colon cancer can start screening sooner and more often. Early and more frequent screening dramatically improves the odds of catching cancers at early, more treatable stages.

Comprehensive Gene Panel

Screens 63 genes associated with hereditary colon and other cancers in a single test.

Actionable results

Clear, clinically interpreted findings with guidance on next steps.

Family Impact

Understanding your genetics can help protect siblings, children, and other relatives who may share your risk.

Early Detection Advantages

Knowing your risk profile enables proactive screening strategies that can save lives.

Genetic Counseling Included

Every jscreen result comes with access to a board-certified genetic counselor who will walk you through your report in plain language, answer your questions, and coordinate care recommendations with your physician.
illustration of a doctor

The Two Main Hereditary Colon Cancer Syndromes

Most hereditary colon cancers fall into one of two well understood categories. Both are identifiable through genetic testing and both have clear management options when caught early.

Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome is caused by inherited changes in DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM). It's the most common hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome and also raises the risk of uterine, ovarian, stomach, and several other cancers. Colon cancer linked to Lynch syndrome often develops before age 50. Earlier and more frequent screening can allow cancers to be caught earlier. An estimated 1 in 279 people carry a Lynch syndrome gene mutation, but most are never diagnosed, missing the chance for early action.²

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

FAP is caused by a change in the APC gene. People with FAP typically develop hundreds to thousands of colon polyps beginning in their teens or twenties. The good news: genetic testing and early intervention can dramatically change the outcome. If a person has FAP and does not receive medical treatment, they have an almost 100% lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer; however, the disease is highly manageable if it is found early through screening.³

Who Should Consider Hereditary Colon Cancer Testing?

1.

Family History of Colon Cancer

If a parent, sibling, or child has had colon cancer, especially at a young age, an inherited gene change that increases cancer risk may be involved and hereditary cancer genetic testing is recommended.

2.

Early Age at Diagnosis in the Family

Colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50, in you or a family member, is a strong sign of the possibility of a hereditary syndrome like Lynch syndrome that increases cancer risk. Genetic testing can identify your inherited risk.

3.

Multiple Family Members with Colon Cancer

Two or more close relatives with colorectal cancer, especially across more than one generation, suggests an inherited cause that a comprehensive hereditary test can help identify.

4.

Personal Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

If you've been diagnosed with colon cancer, genetic testing can clarify whether an inherited syndrome is involved, which can affect your treatment and help protect your family members.

5.

History of Uterine or Ovarian Cancer in the Family

Lynch syndrome raises the risk of uterine,ovarian and stomach cancers alongside colorectal cancer. A family history of these cancers is a strong indicator that genetic testing could be valuable.

6.

Multiple Colon Polyps

Developing many colon polyps at a young age can be a sign of FAP or other hereditary polyposis syndromes, which may be detectable through genetic testing.

Key Genes Linked to Hereditary Colon Cancer

The hereditary cancer test evaluates all of the genes most strongly tied to inherited colorectal cancer risk, from Lynch syndrome genes to more rare polyposis syndromes.

Full gene list available here. Results reviewed by board-certified genetic counselors.

Gene
Disease
MLH1

The most commonly mutated Lynch syndrome gene. Carriers face a 46% to 61% lifetime colorectal cancer risk, with an average age of diagnosis of 44 years.⁴

MSH2

A lifetime colorectal cancer risk of 33% to 52%, in a similar range to MLH1.⁵ Also carries among the highest risk of ovarian (8%–38%) and endometrial (21%–57%) cancer of the Lynch syndrome genes.

MSH6

A Lynch syndrome gene with a lifetime colorectal cancer risk of 10% to 44%, but notably high endometrial cancer risk (16%–49%) in women.⁶ Risk management differs from MLH1 and MSH2.

PMS2

The Lynch syndrome gene with the lowest associated colorectal cancer risk with 8.7% to 20% lifetime risk, but still clinically relevant.⁷

APC

The gene responsible for FAP. Changes in APC lead to hundreds or thousands of polyps and near certain colon cancer without early intervention.³

MUTYH

Two inherited changes in MUTYH cause MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), a condition similar to FAP. Without monitoring, carriers face an estimated 80% to 90% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer.8

EPCAM

Deletions in EPCAM can silence the MSH2 gene and cause Lynch syndrome. Colorectal cancer risk is similar to that seen in MSH2 carriers, with an estimated lifetime risk of about 75%.9

SMAD4/
BMPR1A

These genes cause juvenile polyposis syndrome, which leads to multiple GI polyps and elevated colon and stomach cancer risk. Current guidelines place the lifetime colorectal cancer risk at up to 50%.10

Simple, from Home to Results

The hereditary cancer test requires no clinic visit. The whole process happens on your schedule, from your home.
a mailing envelope being received with a genetic screening kit inside

Order Your Kit

Register online and receive a saliva collection kit shipped directly to your home within a few days.

a mailing envelope being received with a genetic screening kit inside

Collect Your Sample

Provide a simple saliva sample at home, following the easy step-by-step instructions included in your kit.

a mailing envelope being received with a genetic screening kit inside

Lab Analysis

Your sample is analyzed at a CLIA-accredited laboratory using advanced sequencing technology across the full gene panel.

a mailing envelope being received with a genetic screening kit inside

Receive Results

Receive your results within 3 to 4 weeks. You can choose to schedule a complimentary consultation with a certified genetic counselor to review your findings.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

jscreen was established on a simple but deeply held belief: that everyone deserves access to testing that can protect themselves and their families from devastating genetic diseases. We’re committed to working with you to ensure cost is never a barrier.

Insurance Billing

Most commercial insurance places cover genetic testing for hereditary cancer. You will receive a personalized cost estimate from our lab partner. Your final cost depends on your family history and specific insurance plan. Our care navigators are here to help you work through the process and connect you with our financial assistance programs when needed.

Self-Pay Option

Prefer not to use insurance? jscreen offers a straightforward, competitive self-pay rate of $249, plus the upfront fee of $49, for a total of $298. This covers lab testing fees, physician review and test ordering, and access to our genetic counselors and care navigators throughout the testing process.

Colon cancer is preventable, but only if you know your risk.

Thousands of people have already taken a proactive step toward protecting their health with hereditary cancer testing.
Get Started Today

References

  1. American Cancer Society. Breast cancer risk factors you cannot change. cancer.org. Updated 2024. Accessed June 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/breast-cancer-risk-factors-you-cannot-change.html
  2. National Cancer Institute. BRCA gene changes: cancer risk and genetic testing fact sheet. cancer.gov. Accessed June 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
  3. Breastcancer.org. Is breast cancer hereditary? Understanding gene mutations. breastcancer.org. Updated February 28, 2025. Accessed June  026. https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/genetics
  4. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). Cancer risk associated with inherited MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 mutations. Reviewed July 30, 2025 (MLH1 reviewed July 28, 2025). Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.facingourrisk.org/info/hereditary-cancer-and-genetic-testing/hereditary-cancer-genes-and-risk/genes-by-name/mlh1/cancer-risk
  5. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). Cancer risk for people with an MSH2 mutation. Reviewed July 30, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.facingourrisk.org/info/hereditary-cancer-and-genetic-testing/hereditary-cancer-genes-and-risk/genes-by-name/msh2/cancer-risk
  6. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). Cancer risk for people with an MSH6 mutation. Reviewed July 30, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.facingourrisk.org/info/hereditary-cancer-and-genetic-testing/hereditary-cancer-genes-and-risk/genes-by-name/msh6/cancer-risk
  7. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). Cancer risk for people with a PMS2 mutation. Reviewed July 30, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.facingourrisk.org/info/hereditary-cancer-and-genetic-testing/hereditary-cancer-genes-and-risk/genes-by-name/pms2/cancer-risk
  8. National Library of Medicine (US). MUTYH-associated polyposis. MedlinePlus Genetics. Updated August 2025. Accessed July 10, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/mutyh-associated-polyposis/
  9. Pallatt S, Nambidi S, Adhikary S, et al. A brief review of Lynch syndrome: understanding the dual cancer risk between endometrial and colorectal cancer. Oncol Rev. 2025;19:1549416. doi:10.3389/or.2025.1549416
  10. Rogen K. Identification of a mosaic BMPR1A pathogenic variant in Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome: a case study and its impact on cancer screening. Cureus. 2025;17(2):e12620043. doi:10.7759/cureus.12620043
  11. Icon: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/genetics | Genetics icons created by shmai