An individual's genetic code could be the key to predicting whether they might develop oesophageal cancer, according to the latest health articles.
Research published by the American Association for Cancer Research reveals that 11 genetic predictors have been found which may be used to determine the risk that a patient has of developing the condition.
They were discovered by a team led by Dr Xifeng Wu, who explains that the study is part of a wider aim to develop a system of calculating a person's risk numerically.
Each of the 11 genetic predictors increases the risk of cancer - which is more than tripled should four or more of the gene sequences be present in one person.
However, other factors such as obesity and smoking were also noted by the research report's authors as potentially having an impact on an individual's likelihood of suffering oesophageal cancer.
Previous health articles relating to the disease focused on Barrett's oesophagus.
This condition is prevalent among individuals with acid reflux and has been linked with a much higher risk of developing fatal oesophageal cancer, Disease Models & Mechanisms reported.
As such, clinicians were urged to do more to identify the condition at an early stage and take it into account when devising treatment regimes for patients.
