Genetics Research
Researchers are constantly examining colon cancer genetics to determine where it comes from, why it behaves as it does, how to stop it, and how to test for it. Most of the research at the gene level is for scientists who can use the findings to do more research. However, sometimes the studies present findings that are broad enough in scope to satisfy our curiosity or even to use in our everyday lives. I've only included research here that fits the latter category.
Preventing Cancer in Women with Lynch Syndrome
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that predisposes people to colon cancer and other cancers as well. For example, women with Lynch Syndrome also have about a 50 percent chance of developing uterine cancer and a 10 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer. This study looked at ways to prevent the other cancers from occurring.
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that predisposes people to colon cancer and other cancers as well. For example, women with Lynch Syndrome also have about a 50 percent chance of developing uterine cancer and a 10 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer. This study looked at ways to prevent the other cancers from occurring.
Routine Inspection of the Small Intestine in HNPCC?
The American Cancer Society recommends that people with HNPCC have their first colonoscopy at age 20, with follow-up colonoscopies every year or two. A study published in the journal Gut went one step further and asked: Should people with HNPCC also have their small intestine checked out on a regular basis?
The American Cancer Society recommends that people with HNPCC have their first colonoscopy at age 20, with follow-up colonoscopies every year or two. A study published in the journal Gut went one step further and asked: Should people with HNPCC also have their small intestine checked out on a regular basis?
Colon Cancer Risk in Juvenile Polyposis
Juvenile polyposis is known to increase colon cancer risk, but research published in the journal Gut set out to determine exactly how much it increases risk.
Juvenile polyposis is known to increase colon cancer risk, but research published in the journal Gut set out to determine exactly how much it increases risk.
Smoking Increases Risk for Carriers of HNPCC Gene
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed carriers of two HNPCC mutations to determine what lifestyle factors might increase their risk of developing colorectal cancer. Alcohol use didn't seem to have much of an impact but tobacco use did.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed carriers of two HNPCC mutations to determine what lifestyle factors might increase their risk of developing colorectal cancer. Alcohol use didn't seem to have much of an impact but tobacco use did.
HNPCC Settles in America
Scientists combined genetic testing with genealogy to identify a cancer-causing genetic mutation brought to the U.S. by a German immigrant. People with this mutation have about an 80 percent risk of developing colorectal cancer at some point in their lives.
Scientists combined genetic testing with genealogy to identify a cancer-causing genetic mutation brought to the U.S. by a German immigrant. People with this mutation have about an 80 percent risk of developing colorectal cancer at some point in their lives.
BRCA Mutations May Not Increase Colon Cancer Risk
Two genetic mutations commonly associated with breast cancer have also been linked to colorectal cancer. However, two studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicate the mutations don't increase colorectal cancer risk.
Two genetic mutations commonly associated with breast cancer have also been linked to colorectal cancer. However, two studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicate the mutations don't increase colorectal cancer risk.
Bloom Syndrome Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk
Researchers found that people who carry the Bloom syndrome gene are three times more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Bloom syndrome occurs when someone has two defective copies of the BLM gene. The BLM gene, when working properly, helps ensure chromosomes are copied correctly during cell division. When defective, it lets mistakes slip on by. As you might imagine, this isn't good.
Researchers found that people who carry the Bloom syndrome gene are three times more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Bloom syndrome occurs when someone has two defective copies of the BLM gene. The BLM gene, when working properly, helps ensure chromosomes are copied correctly during cell division. When defective, it lets mistakes slip on by. As you might imagine, this isn't good.
Insight into the Origin of Colon Cancer
Scientists believe they've discovered how a mutation in the APC gene causes colon cancer.
Scientists believe they've discovered how a mutation in the APC gene causes colon cancer.
Smoking Causes Genetic Damage Linked to Colon Cancer
A report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that smoking cigarettes may cause colon cancer by damaging genes.
A report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that smoking cigarettes may cause colon cancer by damaging genes.