Colon cancer linked with obesity, genetics

Birmingham, Ala. -- 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.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.