These syndromes are interesting because of the high rate of developement of colorectal cancer in the affected families. This causes anxiety in such families. Considerable research has been done into these syndromes and this has lead to the developement of genetic tests to identify which family members are effected and the establishment of guidelines about how affected family members should be treated. In addition, the research has remarkably increased out understanding of the molecular events that underpin these conditions. Not unsuprisingly similar molecular events contribute to sporadic cancers. So research in these rare syndromes has increased our understaning of the molecular biology of tumorigenesis.