Colon Cancer and Genetics

Scientists and researchers say they are getting closer to possibly finding a genetic test that would diagnose colon cancer and who will require advanced colorectal cancer screening like virtual colonoscopies. The scientists believe they have found a genetic 'red-flag' that may indicate the likelihood of precancerous cells in its preliminary stages. Forbes health report said of the findings, "The American Cancer Society estimates that 106,100 new cases of colon cancer and 40,870 cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Nearly 50,000 people are expected to die of the diseases this year. "The gene-based tests are based on the assumption that a tumor will shed cells into the stool," said Dr. Gad Rennert, who wrote a commentary on the study." The study found colon cancer in nearly 53% of those who's stools were sampled. Doctors find these results promising because it may lead to cheaper more effective screening methods in the future, because genetic testing is generally less expensive than proper colonoscopies.