Heterozygosity for the Cys282Tyr mutation in the HFE gene and the risk of colorectal cancer (Netherlands)

ISSN： 0957-5243

Source： Cancer Causes and Control, Vol.14, Iss.6, 2003-08, pp. : 541-545

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Abstract

Background & Aims: Heterozygosity for the Cys282Tyr transition in the HFE-gene is associated with slightly increased iron levels and may therefore be a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer. Methods: We studied the relationship between Cys282Tyr-heterozygosity and colorectal cancer using a case–control design. The 240 colorectal cancer cases and 635 controls in our study were derived from a prospective cohort study of 12,242 postmenopausal women, who were invited for an experimental breast cancer screening program in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The women were age 51–69 at time of inclusion and were followed for a period of 20 years. HFE genotyping was performed by PCR and allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridization. Results: The risk of colorectal cancer was higher for women who were heterozygous for the Cys282Tyr mutation, than for those who were Cys282Tyr-wildtypes, although this was not statistically significant (Age-adjusted OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.6–2.2). Cys282Tyr-heterozygotes who smoked seemed to be at higher risk of colorectal cancer, although the p-value for interaction was not significant (p-value 0.42). Conclusions: The Cys282Tyr mutation is not associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women, although in combination with smoking a slightly increased risk cannot be excluded.