A group of researchers from the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah were able to map out the origins of the colon cancer in the United States. According to their findings, a couple who migrated in 1630 from England to U.S. could be the root ancestors of people who are in danger of hereditary colon cancer.

Studying two families, one in Utah and the other in New York, the researchers were able to discover that these families carry a specific genetic mutation that is said to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The two families share common ancestors, the couple who migrated from England.

Deborah Neklason, Ph.D., a University of Utah research assistant professor and leader of the study, said:

The fact that this mutation can be traced so far back in time suggests that it could be carried by many more families in the United States than is currently known. In fact, this founder mutation might be related to many colon cancer cases in the United States.

Not only are affected individuals at greater risk then the general population as they grow older, but precancerous polyps are often found in mutation carriers in their late teens and colon cancer has been diagnosed in individuals in their 20s. Knowing one has the condition can be life-saving.