Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer: change the name to protect the innocent.

Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer is a common form of colorectal cancer, accounting for 5%-10% of all colorectal cancers. This cancer is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, occurring as early as age 25, with an average age of 45 at diagnosis. Nurses are an integral part of educating patients and families with a history of colon and uterine cancer.