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Scientists discover genetic 'typo' that boosts cancer risk

Gene MLH1 is supposed to help prevent cancer developing. [iStockphoto]

A "spelling mistake" in a DNA sequence can trigger a process that switches a crucial anti-cancer gene off, thereby boosting the risk of cancer developing, researchers have found.

In a paper published in the journal Cancer Cell, scientists from the University of NSW report on a study of three generations in a family with a predisposition to early bowel or uterine cancer.

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