The Association Between Polymorphisms in Insulin and Obesity Related Genes and Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine (colon), which is located in the lower part of digestive system. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women worldwide. Genetic background is thought to play a role in modulating individual risks of this cancer. Many studies support an association between insulin pathway gene polymorphisms and regulation of tumor cell biology in colorectal cancer. This review examines the role of polymorphisms of insulin and obesity pathway genes (IGFs, INS, INSR, ADIPOQ, ADIPOQR, LEP and LEPR) in development of colorectal cancer.