BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct 8, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. medical scientists say
they are the first to demonstrate a genetic linkage between obesity and the risk
of colon cancer.
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers say their finding could lead to
greater accuracy in testing for the disease and might improve efforts to ward
off colon cancer with obesity-fighting activities, such as exercise, weight loss
and healthy eating.
It has already been proven obesity is influenced by genetics, and colon
canceralso is influenced by genetics. The new study is the first to make a
three-way scientific connection between genetic variation, obesity and colon
cancer risk, the researchers said.
"Our hope is that we can significantly improve the screening and early detection
for this disease, and open new avenues for better understanding the genetic and
lifestyle factors that influence colon cancer risk," said Dr. Boris Pasche, lead
author of the study.
The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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