AFAP is not always easy to distinguish from other forms of colon cancer. Neklason says about a third of those with AFAP have just a few polyps, much like those who have sporadic colon cancer. And many people do not know their family medical history. Those with a family history of colon cancer need to be sure that their physician is aware of it and the proper screening is done.

The Utah Population Database has information on more than 7,000 descendants spanning nine generations of the Utah family. Members identified with this family account for 0.15 percent of all colorectal cancers reported in Utah between 1966 and 1995 — a number that would predict eight cases of colon cancer in the family between 1996 and 2003. But they have, in fact, had only one case, which Neklason credits to identification of the AFAP risk and aggressive education and screening. She says that seven cases of colon cancer were prevented, a huge savings for the family in emotional, physical and financial terms.

Co-authors included physicians and researchers from many University of Utah departments including the institute, Oncological Sciences, Human Genetics and Medicine. It was funded by the National Cancer Institute, the Utah Department of Health, the U. and HCI.

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Deb Neklason released the couple's name so people would not worry needlessly. The couple�s name is Mr. and Mrs. George Frye.

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com