Genetic Mutations Increase Bowel Cancer Risk
UK scientists say people who carry rare mutations within both copies of a gene called MUTYH are 28 times more likely to develop bowel cancer compared to the general population.
These findings, which helped validate previous discoveries, showed this risk increase only exists if mutations are in both copies of the gene. The research also adds important insights into the controversy surrounding whether or not having just one mutation raises an individual’s risk of bowel cancer.
Researchers observed those who carried biallelic mutations were more likely to develop bowel cancer when relatively young - in their 50s. Most bowel cancers, over 80 per cent, occur in people aged 60 and over. Although the contribution of biallelic mutations to the overall incidence of bowel cancer is not high, the risk of developing the disease is substantial.
Check out the entire article at Medical News Today