Canadian researchers collaborating in a large, international study played a key role in identifying four new genes for colorectal cancer.
This brings the total number of genes linked to the disease to 10.
Together, these genetic markers could predict up to a six-fold increase in the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study, published online in Nature Genetics on November 16, 2008, examined 38,710 genetic markers in 13,315 individuals from four countries (Canada, England, Finland and Germany).
"These important findings will help us better understand why some people with a family history develop colorectal cancer and others don't," said Heather Chappell of the Canadian Cancer Society, which provided $1.5 million in funding for this research. "Whether you are at high risk for the disease or not, screening continues to be one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer."
"The benefits of this research are immense," said Dr. Zanke, a scientist at the Ottawa Health Research Institute. "If people know they have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, they can make changes to their lifestyle and undergo physical screening tests more often and that may save lives. This is a great example of how Canadian-led discoveries have a global impact."