The familial polyposis coli register.

Familial polyposis coli is an inherited condition in which many hundreds of adenomatous polyps develop in the colorectum usually during the second decade of life. There is a high incidence of associated carcinoma, a risk which approximates to 100% in untreated patients. Adenomas and carcinomas also occur in the upper gastro-intestinal tract though to a lesser extent. A policy of cancer prevention based on the genetic origin and natural course of the disease requires the identification of family members at risk in order that detection and surgical removal of the polyps can be effected before any malignant change has occurred. The identification of persons at risk requires knowledge of affected families. The establishment and maintenance of regional registers of polyposis coli families is advocated.