Recently, and mostly thanks to genomewide association studies, a large number of DNA polymorphisms have been identified that are associated with cancer risk (http://www.genome.gov/gwastudies/). This has been the case particularly for breast and prostate cancer, and in a smaller proportion for colorectal and skin cancer. If these polymorphisms are combined in an overall score, the score will likely better explain variation in the trait than individual SNPs.

Additionally, several non-genetic cancer risk factors have been uncovered and validated, whilst findings for others have been inconclusive.

Aims & hypothesis

We propose to examine the relationship of genetic scores that reflect variation in cancer risk with exposures that have been associated with the same types of cancer, in ALSPAC children. We are also interested in running hypothesis-generating analyses using the genetic scores and metabolomic data when it becomes available.

In this way we will be able to define potential pathways through which the genetic risk factors exert their actions, and which will also indicate possible targets for treatment.

By examining this relationship in children we expect to identify relevant risk factors while overcoming the problem of reverse causation that may arise when investigating exposures in individuals already affected by the disease.