SPS runs in families, however the specific genetic cause is still not known. Adult family members can have their doctor refer them to a genetic service to find out more about their chance of developing cancer.
If a person does have SPS their close blood relatives (parents/brothers/sisters/children) have an increased chance of developing bowel cancer in their lifetime. Close relatives of people with SPS should have bowel screening every five years from age 40 years, or 10 years younger than the youngest age of SPS diagnosis in the family. This involves having a colonoscopy. If polyps are found on colonoscopy, bowel screening may be performed more regularly.