The March 2002 issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, published the results of a study which concluded that by taking a daily multivitamin that includes folic acid and limiting alcohol consumption, siblings or children of individuals with colon cancer will greatly reduce their chances of developing the disease. Children and siblings of colon cancer victims have double the risk of the rest of the population of eventually being diagnosed with this form of cancer. The study utilized family health history, dietary and lifestyle information from the Nurses' Health Study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Data from 88,758 women was analyzed by researchers led by Charles Fuchs, MD of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for a sixteen year follow up period, during which 535 women developed the disease. The researchers found a lower risk of colon cancer associated with following a diet high in folic acid and methionine, and low in alcohol for at least five years in first degree relatives, compared to those without parents or siblings who'd had the disease. Women with a family history of colon cancer who consumed higher levels of folic acid experienced no greater incidence of the disease than participants without a family history. However, because methionine is also associated with atherosclerosis, supplementation with this amino acid is not recommended. Folic acid, methionine and alcohol are all involved in a process called methylation, in which compounds containing carbon and hydrogen attach to cell structures and products. Lack of sufficient methylation may contribute to instability in DNA structure, leading to several diseases. Families with a history of colon cancer may be genetically susceptible to methylation deficiencies. Dr Fuchs summarized, "It appeared that either a high-folate diet or use of folate-containing multivitamins virtually eliminated the excess risk of colon cancer associated with a family history of the disease. This research may make it possible to identify genes that confer a greater risk of the disease in families with a history of it. That would be an important step toward therapies able to reduce that risk. Our findings involving folate may offer a first clue." Thanks to LEF.org Cure, Summer, 2002 Ann Fonfa's Ltr to Cure Magazine Life Extension Foundation Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.