Mutated mismatch repair genes increase early onset colorectal cancer

Individuals with a mutation in one of the mismatch repair genes frequently are diagnosed with colorectal cancer prior to age 45.  The body uses mismatch repair genes to stop cancer developing when an error in DNA is discovered in a dividing cell.  The genes either repair the damaged DNA, keep the cell from dividing, or cause its death.

Inherited mutated mismatch repair genes are responsible for Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC.)  People with HNPCC are at greatly increased risk for colorectal and other cancers, and they are often diagnosed in young adulthood.

Researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia analyzed families where one individual (the proband) had been identified with a mismatch repair gene mutation (hMLH1, 4 hMSH2, 4 hMSH6, 1 hPMS2)) and who had been diagnosed younger than age 45.  Not all of the probands met the usual Amsterdam criteria for a strong family history of colorectal cancer — 11 of 17 did.

They found that the risk of colorectal cancer before age 50 for men with a mutated gene was 180 times that of a normal population.  Women had a 100–fold increased risk before age 50.  After age 50, the men’s risk returned to normal and the women’s risk was 7 times higher than the rest of the population.

Writing in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, April 2004, they concluded:

For carriers of the mutations in the mismatch repair genes that cause early onset colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer increases rapidly until age 50, and the incidence decreases to general population levels at older ages.

 colorectal cancer risk Lynch Syndrome HNPCC young colorectal cancer

Posted by Kate Murphy on April 12th, 2006
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April is Cancer Control Month

President George Bush has declared April to be Cancer Control Month

As we observe Cancer Control Month, I commend the strength and courage of cancer survivors, whose perseverance is an inspiration to all Americans. Our Nation is grateful for the generosity and skill of our medical professionals. These healers, along with the loving family members and friends of cancer patients, reflect the compassionate spirit of our people and help build a healthier future for our citizens. Cancer can be prevented, treated, and defeated, and we will continue to strive to reach the day when the battle to beat cancer has been won.

April has been Cancer Control Month since 1938 when a Congressional Resolution instructed the President to proclaim it each year.

Posted by Kate Murphy on April 12th, 2006
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C3 Supports California Legislation to Screen Underserved Communities

California Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas has introduced legislation (Assembly Bill 2339: Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment Program) which, if passed and funded, will provide infrastructure for screening programs for underserved communities.  This critical legislation will be introduced in the State Assembly later this month.

C3 supports this legislation, and thanks Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas for his efforts.

Posted by Nancy Roach on April 10th, 2006
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House of Representatives Delays Budget Vote

The House has adjourned for their two-week spring recess without voting on the 2007 budget resolution.  According to the April 7 Los Angeles Times, “Opposition to the budget among Republican moderates and a power struggle between a faction of conservatives and the GOP-controlled Appropriations Committee forced party leaders to either pull the measure or suffer a humiliating defeat.”

Additional information:  April 7 2006 Kaiser Family Foundation Daily Health Report

The House budget proposed significant cuts to health and education, including funding for cancer research and prevention programs.  The Senate budget restored funding to these critical programs with the Specter-Harkin Amendment. 

Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced an amendment that would restore funding in the House budget; this amendment was defeated.  Representative Mike Castle (R-DE) introduced a similar amendment; however, the House adjourned without acting on the proposal.

Why does this matter?

House members are hearing from voters who are unhappy with proposals to cut programs such as cancer research and prevention.  The phone calls, emails and faxes from thousands of constituents are having an impact!

So stay tuned.  Once Congress is back from their Spring Break, we will need everyone’s help to keep up the momentum!

Posted by Nancy Roach on April 8th, 2006
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C3 thanks Representative Rosa DeLauro

Representative Rosa DeLauro, a survivor of ovarian cancer, raised critical questions at the House Labor, Health and Human Services committee meeting around a critical translational research program.

During her questions, Rep. DeLauro identified the critical role of organ site-specific translational research which is occurring in NCI’s Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) programs. The SPORE programs offer a unique opportunity for “team science” that includes basic scientists with clinical researchers, and moves treatments from the laboratory to people.

C3 thanks Representative DeLauro for her leadership!

Posted by Nancy Roach on April 7th, 2006
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