231 "New" Genes Identified as Cancer Causing.

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This a significant leap in cancer research, although the cancers described here can be operated on more easily:

Genes research offers cancer hope
(UKPA) – 7 hours ago

People suffering from a deadly family of cancers have been given new hope after American scientists identified 231 previously unknown genes associated with the diseases.

Before the discovery scientists only knew of 33 genes linked to head and neck cancer and the new research is expected to open doors to diagnostic tests and treatments.

Study leader Dr Maria Worsham, from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, said it could lead to early detection and treatment of head and neck cancer.

"These new genes should advance selection of head and neck-specific gene targets, opening the door to promising new molecular strategies for the early detection and treatment of head and neck cancer," she said.

"It also may offer the opportunity to help monitor disease progression and a patient's response to treatment."

Head and neck cancer is an umbrella term for tumours affecting the eye, mouth, lip, tongue, throat, voice box, salivary glands, nose and sinuses.

Oral cancers of the mouth, lip and tongue are diagnosed in 5,325 Britons each year and cause 1,851 deaths.

An estimated 85% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and the tumours are also associated with drinking alcohol. People who smoke and drink are at greater risk of developing the cancers than those who do either alone.

The new research used a novel approach called "whole genome methylation" to detect altered genes. DNA methylation is a type of chemical modification to DNA that affects gene activity.

The scientists analysed five DNA samples and focused on 1,043 potential cancer genes.

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