Cancer Gene Linked to American Indians

A genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of colon, uterine and ovarian cancer was recently linked to American Indians by researchers. Previously, scientists had traced the American Founder Mutation, which can lead to Lynch syndrome, to a German couple who immigrated to the United States in 1727. About 32,000 Americans now carry the cancer-causing mutation, many of them in Kentucky and Ohio. "this is so prevalent in Ohio and Kentucky, it's terrible," said researcher Heather Hampel of Ohio State University.

In a study published in the journal Cancer Research, researchers from the Mayo Clinic, Creighton University and Ohio State University examined the history of 41 families in Kentucky, Ohio and Texas. Many families reported Cherokee heritage which led researchers to re-examine the German findings. More exact genetic research allowed them to trace the mutant gene to an American woman who generations later married into the German family. Despite aggressive testing, the mutation has not been found in Europe, seeming to validate the Indian origin supposition.

The mutation is easily detectable via a $300 genetic test. Knowing you are predisposed to these cancers, you and your doctors can be more vigilant in watching for cancer signs and more aggressive in treating cancer if it occurs. "Colon cancer is 100% preventable if you do colonoscopies early enough," Hampel said. Future research hopes to pin the mutant gene to a specific Indian tribe which could improve preventative measures.