A growing number of epidemiologic studies have shown that a higher intake of calcium and vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Together, calcium and vitamin D have been suggested to enhance each other’s preventive effect on colorectal cancer. Therefore, investigating whether common genetic variations (polymorphisms) alter the preventive effect of calcium or vitamin D could provide valuable information for cancer prevention.
The goal of this study is to better understand whether common genetic variations in key genes of the calcium and vitamin D interrelated pathway are associated with colorectal cancer risk. Within a large population-based case control study, we investigate: (1) associations between polymorphisms in key genes of the calcium and vitamin D pathway, such as CASR, CYP27B1, or CYP24A1 and risk of colon cancer; (2) interactions between polymorphisms in calcium and vitamin D-related genes and risk of colon cancer (gene-gene interactions); and (3) if associations between dietary and supplemental calcium and vitamin D intake are modified by polymorphisms (gene-environmental interaction).
For questions or additional information please contact:
Ulrike Peters, PhD MPH
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1100 Fairview Ave. N., M4-B402
P.O. Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
Phone: (206) 667-2450
Email address: upeters@fhcrc.org
