Colon cancer biomarker is discovered

ROCHESTER, Minn., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say a genetic abnormality discovered in younger colon cancer victims might be used as an early warning sign of cancer risk.

A Mayo Clinic team led by Dr. Lisa Boardman examined telomeres -- caps on the ends of chromosomes -- in 114 colon cancer patients 50 years old and younger and 98 people with no history of cancer. The telomeres of the younger cancer patients had abnormally short telomeres.

Colon cancer -- which includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix -- is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Most patients are initially diagnosed in their mid-60s.

Researchers believe the association between colon cancer patients and increased telomere shortening might lead to new treatment strategies.

The research was presented during the weekend in San Diego at the annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics.