New form of colorectal cancer discovered

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Research has identified a specific type of colorectal cancer which is inherited.
We already know that a minority of cases of colorectal cancer are inherited. Now an international team of researchers has identified a specific kind of inherited colorectal cancer which is worthy of further study. The disease is more common among women, appears at a relatively young age and is more common on the right side of the colon.

Genetic studies show that a cancer gene called BRAF is more likely to be mutated in this form of cancer; such mutations are also found in cancer of the thyroid, ovary and melanoma. Other genetic alterations were also found. This study is important because it cancers hitting younger people result in loss of more years of life. What is more, further research into the genetic alterations may lead to a better understanding of all forms of colorectal cancer.

Source
Gastroenterology and Hepatology March 2005