Study Finds Genetic Link That Causes Colon Cancer

US researchers have discovered a genetic trait that shows the strongest link yet to colorectal cancer, the number-two cancer killer in the United States, according to a study published Thursday.

If a person inherits this gene, his or her risk of getting colon cancer is 50 percent higher than the the six percent risk in the general population, said the research by doctors at Northwestern University, published in the journal Science.

Colorectal Cancer - Types, Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis & Prevention
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men.

"This probably accounts for more colorectal cancers than all other gene mutations discovered thus far," said Boris Pasche, a lead author of the paper.

The trait, which has been named TGFBR1 ASE, results in decreased production of a key receptor for TGF-beta, the most potent inhibitor of cell growth, the findings said.

With less of this vital protective substance to inhibit cell growth, colon cancer can more easily develop, it said.

Colo-rectal Cancer - Management
Treatment for Colorectal Cancers may involve surgery,chemotherapy, radiation therapy or biological therapy. Some people require a combination of treatments.

"The reasonable expectation is this finding will save some lives," Pasche said.

"We will be able to identify a larger number of individuals that are at risk of colorectal cancer and, in the long term, maybe decrease the cases of colorectal cancer and of people dying from it by being able to screen them more frequently."

Colonoscopy Procedure
An animation of Colonoscopy that shows the appearance of large intestine or colon by using a thin and flexible viewing tube called the colonoscope.

Colon cancer kills around 50,000 people each year in the United States, and afflicts around a people million globally each year.

Source-AFP
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Volvulus
A volvulus is surgical condition that results in a loop of the bowel twisting on itself. This can be a life-threatening condition due to the loss of blood supply and accumulation of toxic gases and fluids in the portion of the obstructed bowel segment.