Four new colorectal cancer genes found

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."

This year, an estimated 21,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 8,900 will die of it, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. On average, 413 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer every week and 171 Canadians will die of the disease every week. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Screening using the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) at least every 2 years is recommended for Canadians 50 and older at average risk. People who think they may be at higher risk or have a family history should talk to their health-care provider about an individual screening plan. The discovery of these four additional genes linked to colorectal cancer may lead to the development of an additional screening tool for those people with a strong family history - a genetic test for colorectal cancer risk. The Canadian research team included Dr. Brent Zanke, Dr. Tom Hudson and Dr. Steven Gallinger. Canadian funding was provided by the Canadian Cancer Society, Genome Canada, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and Cancer Care Ontario.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. It is the largest national charitable funder of cancer research in Canada. Last year, the Society funded close to $49.5 million in leading-edge research projects across the country. To know more about cancer, visit the website at www.cancer.ca or call the toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.