Researchers trace gene colon cancer ancestors found
Jan 7, 2008
Researchers trace gene mutation back to an english couple who were colonists.
Colon cancer's family tree may date back to Pilgrim days, and that lineage may help save lives in the different country. Today.
Researchers have tracked a gene mutation linked to colon cancer risk back to an English couple that sailed to colonial
The couple - whose names aren't published in the researchers' report - were born in England in the 1590s, married in 1615, and arrived in America with at least two children "some time before 1640”.
Many generations later, that couple has thousands of descendants. For instance, more than 5,200 people living in Utah today are related to that couple, and many more North American families may share that heritage.
Team suggests that " genetic testing should be considered" for people with a family history of 10 or more colon polyps.
An aggressive education and clinical intervention program among the couple's Utah descendants may have prevented seven colon cancers.
A report appears in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
No matter where your family comes from, cancer experts recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50, or sooner for high-risk patients
Source: webmd.com
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