We have already identified new genes and developed novel insights about the cause of bowel cancer. Recently we submitted a collaborative paper led by Edinburgh in which we report a genome-wide scan for colorectal cancer susceptibility loci. In all we have identified seven new genes for bowel cancer and these are currently under consideration with important international journals. This work provides enormous potential for risk profiling using genetic markers and for identifying groups within the population that are at high risk, and hence tailor surveillance and screening to the level of risk. Prevention and Treatment In addition, this work is leading directly to further insights into the mechanisms of colorectal cancer causation. This will allow development of new approaches to combating the disease, such as development of novel small molecules for both chemoprevention and chemotherapeutics. This research is likely to lead to clinically valuable endpoints. By defining the prevalence of all known cancer susceptibility genes, families will be identified who were not aware of the risk. This will result (and has already) in cancer prevention and reduction in risk of cancer death. This article was published on 2024-02-06
