MUTYH
Associated conditions:
- Colorectal cancer
- Polyposis
MUTYH makes a repair enzyme that corrects a common type of DNA damage caused by oxygen-related stress. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with an autosomal recessive condition called MUTYH-associated polyposis when both copies are altered, bringing numerous bowel polyps and a high colorectal cancer risk; a single altered copy is not associated with an increased risk but matters for family planning. Knowing your genetic status enables regular colonoscopy and polyp removal for those affected.
Conditions linked to MUTYH
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, usually from polyps that turn cancerous over years. An inherited predisposition raises lifetime risk and shifts it earlier, so it is highly preventable with earlier, more frequent colonoscopy that finds and removes polyps before they progress.
