A view of Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – A recent discovery in a study by Israeli researchers might allow for the early detection and possible prevention of colon and uterine cancers.

Among populations of different backgrounds in Israel, the study—conducted by researchers at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikva, and Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv—identified a genetic mutation related to Lynch syndrome that increases the risk of colon and uterine cancers. The populations affected by the mutation include Jews of European, Iranian, Afghan, and Georgian descent.

Being able to detect a mutation that is characteristic of a certain population makes identifying the syndrome much simpler and cheaper.

“The study is of immense importance in the prevention and early treatment of cancer,” said Prof. Tamar Peretz, the senior oncologist and acting director-general of Hadassah Hospital, according to Israel Hayom. “Identifying the genetic mutation allows us to find subsets of healthy people who carry that mutation, and put them on an early prevention and observation program. Early detection of cancer is one of the most important tools in healing the deadly disease.”