By Admin at 15 Jul 2016, 12:37 PM

Colon cancer has long been tied to lifestyle factors (most recently, the World Health Organization linked the disease to consumption of processed meat). However, increasing research suggests there’s also a genetic component.

Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research in London analyzed genes from more than 1,000 people with early-onset familial colon cancer and identified five new mutations that may increase such risk. The new mutations are rare and were detected in 16 percent of familial colon cancer cases.

The researchers concluded that “all major risk genes” for colon cancer have now been identified, although many missing genetic variations have yet to be uncovered. Individual genetic variants have only a small impact on colon cancer risk individually but may significantly increase the risk when acting together.

The study — the largest to date on colon cancer and genetics — may create a “map” of the disease that ultimately helps researchers develop new ways to detect and prevent colon cancer.

While most cases of colon cancer occur in people with no family history, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 people with the disease have relatives that also have had colon cancer. Your risk increases if:

• A first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) had colon cancer
• A first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer prior to age 45
• More than one of your first-degree relatives has had colon cancer
• A family member has had adenomatous polyps, which are the type that may turn into cancer

In addition, up to 10 percent of people with colon cancer have genetic mutations linked to family cancer syndromes, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC).

In most cases, colon cancer begins with a precancerous polyp. It takes about 10 years on average for a polyp to become cancerous, which is why colonoscopies (which can detect polyps) are generally recommended once a decade starting at the age of 50.

One of the benefits of learning more about genetic risk factors for colon cancer, however, is that people with major risk genes can get screening done earlier and potentially prevent the disease from developing. There are also many lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of colon cancer—even if you believe you’re genetically susceptible. This includes:

• Exercise
• Reduce your consumption of processed meats, red meat and meats cooked at high temperatures
• Eat more vegetables, especially cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
• Consume friendly bacteria (probiotics)
• Maintain healthy vitamin D levels

Sources:
Nature Communications June 22, 2016
U.S News & World Report June 24, 2016
American Cancer Society

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