Ashkenazi Jews and Colon Cancer

Why Ashkenazi Jews Are at Increased Risk

Research has found genetic mutations leading to colorectal cancer in Jewish people of Ashkenazi descent. In fact, Ashkenazi Jews are two-to-three times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than are members of the general population. This is part of the reason why colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Israel.

Ashkenazi Jews and the BLM Gene

When functioning normally, the BLM gene guards against DNA damage and mutation. However, it only performs these functions when someone has two working copies. When neither copy works, a person gets Bloom Syndrome; when only one copy works, a person is more susceptible to colorectal cancer.

A study of more than 3,000 people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry found that Ashkenazi Jews with the BLM mutation (of one copy) were twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer.

Ashkenazi Jews and the APC Gene

Research shows that up to 10% of Ashkenazi Jews inherit a genetic mutation (called the I1307K APC mutation) which predisposes them to developing colorectal cancer. The APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene normally slows cell growth. A mutated APC gene actually helps cancer grow rather than helping to prevent it.

Sources:

1. American Cancer Society. What Are the Risk Factors for Colon and Rectum Cancer?
   
2. American Cancer Society. What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
   
3. Cancer Network. What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
   
4. Genetic Health. How is Colon Cancer Inherited?
   
5. Gottlieb, Klaus, M.D. Colon Cancer Lecture.
   
6. National Foundation for Cancer Research. Colorectal Cancer Prevention & Treatment.
   
7. Reuters Health. One Bad Copy of Gene Boosts Colon Cancer Risk.
   
8. The Answer to Cancer. Carolyn Runowicz, M.D., Sheldon Cherry, M.D., and Dianne Lange.
   
9. Your Medical Source. What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
   
10. Your Medical Source. What is Colorectal Cancer?