Genetic link established between obesity and colon cancer

The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Boris Pasche and colleagues from the University of Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Center focused on a gene called ADIPOQ that results in the formation of a fat hormone called adiponectin. It shows those who inherit a common genetic variant of ADIPOQ carry up to 30% reduced risk of colon cancer compared to others.

Those identified without the gene variant or those who have unhealthy blood levels of adiponectin may benefit from early colorectal testing. Additional studies are needed to confirm whether those without the variant benefit from cancer-prevention lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.