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December 2, 2008 3:39:07 AM CST

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Colon Cancer Gene Tagged

Posted Jul 9, 07 5:23 AM CDT in World,  US,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Two studies have linked a specific genetic variant to an increased risk of  colon cancer, the BBC reports. About half the population has the permutation, which was linked to a 20% increased risk of developing colon cancer and accounts for 1 of  ten cases. But the risk isn't significant enough to warrant developing a genetic test for the variant, researchers concluded.

Investigators hope that several genes tied to colorectal cancers will be identified in the future and tests will be developed to identify all of them for early treatment. "It may be possible for scientists to design treatments to prevent people at increased risk of the disease from developing bowel cancer altogether," said a researcher.

Source BBC

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Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation Raises Colon Cancer Awareness   (Getty Images)
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow speaks to the press.   (Getty Images)
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow responds to questions.   (Getty Images)
Giant Colon In Seattle   (Getty Images)
Cancer Research And Prevention Foundation Raises Colon Cancer Awareness   (Getty Images)
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health • cancer • science • genetics • genetic testing • colon cancer


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