'Harmless' gene mutation can trigger bowel cancer

A widespread gene mutation, once thought to be a trivial abnormality, adds significantly to the risk of developing bowel cancer, according to a new study.

Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) deputy director John Olynyk, who co-authored the study, said people with the defect -- present in one in every 36 Caucasians -- and who had a cancer pre-disposing abnormality were three times more likely to develop bowel cancer.

“What we discovered is that people who carry two copies of the gene mutation known as H63D, and who also have the gene mutations linked to bowel cancer, are three times more likely to develop bowel cancer but fortunately, this particular gene mutation is able to be readily detected in Australia,” Olynyk said.

Olynyk said the study looked at more than 350 people from Australia and Poland who carried a specific gene mutation associated with a type of bowel cancer known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

“What this research highlights is that people with a family history of bowel cancer would do well to have regular colonoscopies in the hope of picking up the early warning signs and help prevent the cancer from developing,” he said.

“Being vigilant is critical, especially given that hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer often strikes younger people who are less likely to get regular checks for bowel cancer.”

These findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer.

Last updated on Jul 16^th, 2009 at 12:25 pm IST--IANS