Hereditary colorectal cancer involves a cancer gene being passed from parent to child. However, it is unclear which gene causes the disease. If quite one loved one has colon or rectal cancer, it could mean that the potential for developing this type of cancer has been passed from one generation to the next Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Symptoms is for Many patients with colon or rectal cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms may not appear until the disease progresses to an advanced stage. Routine screening and understanding the risk factors are vital for protecting your health. The symptoms of colon cancer and rectal cancer are similar to the symptoms of other colon diseases.