23andMe has New Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Report



23andMe has added a new Genetic Health Risk report that looks at two genetic variants in the MUTHY gene (Y179C and G396D) associated with a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, MUTHY-associated polyposis (MAP). These two variants are most common and best suited in people of Northern European descent.

In January of 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave 23andMe clearance to offer this information directly to consumers. 23andMe’s team has been finalizing the report ever since.

These two variants of the MUTHY gene (Y179C and G396D) account for the majority – from 80 percent to 90 percent – of all MAP variants in people of Northern European descent. Between 1 and 2 percent of people of Northern European descent have one of these variants, which means that between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 40,000 people of Northern European descent are expected to have MAP.

The two variants are also found in people of other ethnicities.

Without appropriate surveillance, carrying both of these variants, or having two copies of one, increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer to between 43 and 100 percent. The risk in the general population is about 4.2 percent.

Eligible 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers have the option of viewing their MAP report. As with other Genetic Health Risk reports that are considered sensitive, eligible customers must first opt in to view the report. If they choose to opt in, they will then go through a short tutorial dealing with information that is important to know before seeing their results.

23andMe recommends that a person who has a positive family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of colorectal polyps talk to a doctor for more screening information.

In addition, 23andMe wants you to know that the MAP report is not diagnostic and is intended for adults, only. The MAP report is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up.

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23andMe Genetic Risk Report for TTR-Related Amyloidosis

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23andMe Adds Four New Trait Reports

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