Scientists have identified a gene that increases the risk of
colorectal cancer for people who like to eat processed meats.
The researchers compared 9,287 patients with
colorectal cancer with 9,117 people without cancer and found the cancer victims
carried genetic variant rs4143094 and ate processed meats.
The finding might lead to testing people to
determine whether they are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer and
therefore should be more cautious about eating processed meats and exercising
other precautions, said the lead scientist.
The genetic variant is on the same chromosome
that carries another genetic variant that has been linked with several forms of
cancer. Gene GAT3 normally plays a role in the immune system.
On chromosome 8, a statistically significant
diet-gene interaction was found in another variant, rs1269486.
This variant was associated with reduced risk
of colorectal cancer.
The discovery was announced during a meeting of
the American Society of Human Genetics in Boston.
