Colorectal cancer risk (8q24)

A variant in the 8q24 'gene desert' that helps regulate the MYC gene is one of the most replicated common signals for colorectal cancer (and is also linked to prostate cancer). Each copy nudges risk modestly; screening and lifestyle matter far more.

Possible results

Lower 8q24 cancer-risk variant. You don't carry the 8q24 colorectal-cancer variant, so as far as this common cancer-risk marker shows, your risk is on the lower side. Recommended screening (such as colonoscopy at the usual age) and a healthy lifestyle matter far more than this one marker.

Slightly higher colorectal risk. You carry one copy of the 8q24 variant linked to colorectal (and prostate) cancer. It nudges risk up modestly and is only one of many factors, so following normal screening guidance and a healthy lifestyle is the practical takeaway.

Higher colorectal risk. You have two copies of the 8q24 cancer-risk variant, which raises your statistical risk a bit more (the per-copy effect is still modest). Most people with this genotype never develop cancer, so keeping up with recommended screening is the main and very effective action.

Evidence & sources

Across global populations, about 41% of people carry two copies of this variant, and about 18% carry none.

This variant appears in 35 published genetic studies: PubMed 17401363 · PubMed 17618284 · PubMed 18264096 · PubMed 18264097 · PubMed 18372905 · PubMed 21242260 · PubMed 21743057 · PubMed 23266556 · PubMed 24740154 · PubMed 24753544 · PubMed 24836286 · PubMed 25939597 · PubMed 26034056 · PubMed 26151821 · PubMed 26965516 · PubMed 28960316 · PubMed 29471430 · PubMed 29917119 · PubMed 30104761 · PubMed 30510241 · PubMed 30529582 · PubMed 31089142 · PubMed 31562322 · PubMed 31826910 · PubMed 33293427 · PubMed 33398198 · PubMed 34290314 · PubMed 34594039 · PubMed 36539618 · PubMed 37340002 · PubMed 37945903 · PubMed 37965154 · PubMed 38538606 · PubMed 38872215 · PubMed 39024449.

Related

Age-related macular degeneration risk · Atrial fibrillation risk (4q25) · Breast cancer (female) · Coronary artery disease risk (9p21) · Factor V Leiden thrombophilia · Rheumatoid arthritis · Venous thromboembolism (clots)