Genes Raise Risk of Colon Cancer For Hamburger Lovers: Study

Eating processed meats, like hamburgers or sausage, raises the risk of getting colon cancer for one in three people who are carriers of a common gene variant, according to a recent study.

The study, published in PLOS Genetics, details findings that show how  carriers of a common gene variant face an increased chance of developing colorectal cancer if they eat too much processed meat.

In a reviewed and analysis of ten previously published studies looking into colorectal cancer risk factors, researchers were able to examine more than 2.6 million common single-nucleotide polymorphisms-- genetic variants that are involved in metabolizing B-vitamins and nutrients in fruit, vegetables, fiber, and processed meats -- which may contribute to a rise and fall of risk of colon cancer.

During their analysis, researchers were able to identify a "significant interaction" between a genetic variant simply catalogued as RS4143094 and the metabolism of processed meats.

According to the study, this genetic variant is associated with GATA3 -- a gene which is involved in an active immune system and have previously been linked by past studies to multiple forms of cancer.

According to the researchers, this is bad news for burger lovers, as frequently eating processed meats will put this gene variant to work and increase chances of developing cancer in the colon.

This is not the first study to associate colon cancer risk with dietary habits, but it is the first study to ever provide evidence indicating that genetic disposition may influence that association.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death across most ethnic-racial groups.

However, while changing eating habits, especially if you learn you are a carrier of the RS4143094 gene variant, can help avoid developing the cancer, experts have long said that simply staying vigilant for the disease, and catching it early  enough with regular colonoscopy screenings is any persons best bet.

The study was published in PLOS Genetics on April 17.