Colorectal Cancer Registry

The Registry

Stamford Hospital's High Risk Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry collects information from individuals relating to the hereditary aspects of colorectal cancer with the goal of saving lives. The information collected includes the medical and family history of people who have either been diagnosed with certain types of cancer or identified as being at high risk due to their family history. This information is stored and managed by the registry staff, in a confidential and secure manner. The purpose of the registry is to promote knowledge of the implications of having a family history of cancer, to facilitate important research and to provide information and education to individuals and families at risk as well as healthcare professionals.

A Common Condition

Colorectal cancer is a common condition affecting 6% of all Americans or one person in every 17. Though most cancer occurs sporadically, it is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of all colorectal cancers are explained by a specific hereditary predisposition. In Connecticut, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 1200 individuals will develop colorectal cancer in 2006. Approximately 60-120 of these people could be estimated to have a genetic basis for developing the cancer.

Goals of the Colorectal Registry

The goals & activities of this registry are as follows:

• To educate people at high risk of developing colorectal and related cancers
• To promote knowledge of the implications of having a family history of colorectal and related cancers
• To provide up to date information regarding colorectal cancer syndromes, screening and cancer prevention methods
• To establish and maintain a website containing information regarding the registry, colorectal cancer syndromes, and the genetic counseling program at Stamford Hospital