Bowel cancer genetic risk ‘depends on race’

People with the same cancer susceptibility genes respond differently depending on their race, a study has shown for the first time.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that a genetic marker is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in Europeans, but not in the Japanese population.

However this genetic variant is associated with a similar risk of rectal cancer in both populations.

The discovery was made after an analysis of the complete genetic makeup of over 33,000 people in seven countries.

The scientists say the study shows for the first time that genetic factors might explain some of the differences in bowel cancer risk between populations.

The report is published in the journal Nature Genetics.

“This is the first time that a race-specific effect has been found for a genetic marker. It’s an important step forward in our knowledge of the causes of bowel cancer, bringing us ever closer to a genetic test for those at high risk of the disease,” said lead author Professor Malcolm Dunlop.

“It’s important to catch bowel cancer at an early stage when it’s more likely to be treated successfully.”

A parallel study, also published in Nature Genetics, reveals that researchers have found two new gene variants that increase the risk of bowel cancer.

Commenting on the studies, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information Dr Lesley Walker said: “This international collaboration has helped us appreciate the complexity of the genetics behind bowel cancer.

“This collaboration will continue to bring knowledge that will eventually allow us to test people with a family history of the disease, catching cancer earlier in those who are at the highest risk or preventing it all together.”