Researchers: One-Third of Colon Cancer Cases Linked to Heredity

Almost one third of all cases of colon cancer may be caused by inherited factors, according to researchers at the Cancer Research Campaign in Manchester, England.

New research could lead to a test that pinpoints those at a higher risk for the disease, improving their chances of being diagnosed early and treated successfully, according to the report published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Thirty percent of people with colon cancer appear to have an inherited problem with repairing their genes, compared to just 9 percent of the population at large, according to the researchers. Since cancer develops after cells suffer damage to their genes, the researchers believe that people with defects in their system for repairing genes are more likely to develop colon cancer.

"If we can identify those people who are most likely to develop bowel cancer, we can screen them regularly, giving us a much better chance of detecting the disease," said Dr. David Scott, lead researcher. "We might even be able to advise people with an increased risk of bowel cancer about ways of lowering their risk."

The study included 66 healthy people and 37 with colon cancer. Blood that was taken from the participants was exposed to radiation to cause genetic damage to the cells. Scientists then watched to see which cells were able to repair themselves.

The cells from the healthy subjects recovered well from the radiation damage while those from the colon cancer patients often remained badly damaged.

Other sources: British Journal of Cancer