Shocking facts, Ancient mummy Suffering Colon Cancer

A group of scientists discovered a new fact, from the analysis of tissue samples mummy Hungarian origin. They reveal that people who lived in the 17th century and 18 also had colon cancer.

It is quite surprising, given their different lifestyles with today.

As quoted from Live Science, in a study using objects such as mummies from the 18th century, scientists discovered that colon cancer is caused due to genetic factors.

It was known from the analysis of one mummy - in the study - which carry a gene mutation adenomatous polyposis coli (APC).

"According to doctors, the APC gene can increase the risk of colon cancer," said study leader and a former assistant researcher at Tel Aviv Univeristy Israel, Michal Feldman.

If the APC gene mutation has been found in samples confirmed other mummies, it shows that the inherited DNA changes play a large role as a cause of cancer than environmental influences.

"Currently korolektal cancer is the third most frequent cancer found. Modern research found that genetics contributes to the cause," said Feldman.

He also added, "Given the changes in lifestyle and

environment in society that occurred within a few centuries, we find that it is important to compare the spectrum of mutations in the ancient times to the present era."

"Because of the mummification process can preserve the network, these studies can provide valuable information on the details of anthropology, history, and medicine," said Feldman.

In an earlier study, by examining the mummy scientists can obtain information about the history of tuberculosis, blood clots, to air pollution.

In a recent study, a team of research institute to collect tissue samples from 20 mummies from the basement in a Dominican church, Vác, Hungary.

The basement at that time used as a cemetery and middle income families as well as clergy from 1731 to 1838. More than 265 mummies were discovered at the site in 1995 and is currently the object is stored in the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest.

The temperature of the cellar and low humidity combined with constant ventilation being an ideal place of mummification process bodies.

About 70 percent of the bodies found had been termumifikasi place entirely or partially. This provides an abundant source of preserved tissue and DNA samples for research scientists.

By extracting DNA from the mummies, Feldman and his team can sort and assess their APC gene mutation.

"It draws from the study is that the APC gene mutation in patients with cancer that is found in the last two decades is not new," said gastroenterologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Dr. Sidney Winawer.

"It opens a new way of thinking. If the mutation has appeared in a couple of years ago, and why it happened," he added.

"Additional samples need to be examined to gain a better understanding of the relationship between cancer and environmental influences, such as lifestyle, as well as the relationship of cancer with genetic changes."

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