What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Colorectal Cancer Risk: 10/10 evidence, 34 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Typical Colorectal Cancer Risk
A typical baseline risk of developing colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps is associated with this common genetic profile. It is the most frequent genotype globally.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline risk of colorectal cancer; Typical baseline risk of colon polyps.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/C
Slightly Increased Colorectal Cancer Risk
One copy of the C allele is associated with a slightly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. This is a common genetic variation.
What this genotype means: Slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer; Slightly increased risk of colon polyps.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Moderately Increased Colorectal Cancer Risk
Two copies of the C allele are associated with a moderately higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. This genotype is relatively rare.
What this genotype means: Moderately increased risk of colorectal cancer; Moderately increased risk of colon polyps.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The rs16892766 marker is located on chromosome 8q23.3, positioned between the EIF3H and UTP23 genes [1]. EIF3H encodes a subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, which is essential for protein synthesis and cell growth [2]. UTP23 is involved in ribosomal RNA processing and ribosome biogenesis [3]. Alterations in this genomic region are thought to influence the expression of these nearby genes, potentially driving cell proliferation in the colon lining [1]. Research suggests that increased expression of EIF3H may promote tumor growth and invasiveness [2].
Variant Impact: The rs16892766 genetic marker is an intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism located in a key regulatory region on chromosome 8 [1]. This genetic marker is part of a tightly linked haplotype block that acts as a transcriptional regulator [3]. The risk-associated C allele is correlated with altered expression of neighboring genes involved in protein translation and ribosomal assembly [4]. This functional change is believed to create a cellular environment more permissive to abnormal tissue growth in the large intestine [3]. Over time, these subtle regulatory shifts can influence the development of precancerous growths and malignant tumors [1].
Key Insight: This genetic variant is one of the most well-replicated markers for colorectal cancer risk, first identified in large-scale genome-wide association studies. Interestingly, its impact on cancer risk may be modified by lifestyle factors such as dietary vegetable intake.
Location: EIF3H. Chromosome 8 · 8q23.3 · 116.6 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 82.6%; European 85.1%; African 76.2%; East Asian 99.9%; South Asian 82.8%; Americas 88.5%; Ashkenazi 74.9%; Finnish 78.0%; Middle Eastern 69.4%; Amish 86.0%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 16.4%; European 14.3%; African 22.2%; East Asian 0.1%; South Asian 16.3%; Americas 11.1%; Ashkenazi 23.3%; Finnish 20.7%; Middle Eastern 27.8%; Amish 13.4%.
Estimated AC genotype frequency.
Global 0.9%; European 0.6%; African 1.6%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 0.8%; Americas 0.3%; Ashkenazi 1.8%; Finnish 1.4%; Middle Eastern 2.8%; Amish 0.5%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cancer & Oncology
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18372905. Typical Risk.
Colorectal Adenoma. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 30510241. Typical Risk.
Colon Polyps. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Colorectal Cancer. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Rectal Cancer. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32887889. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/C genotype
Colorectal Cancer. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18372905. ~1.2x to 1.5x Risk.
Colorectal Adenoma. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 30510241. Increased Risk.
Colon Polyps. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Increased Risk.
Colorectal Cancer. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Increased Risk.
Rectal Cancer. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32887889. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Colorectal Cancer. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18372905. ~1.5x to 2x Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Two copies of the common A allele represent a typical baseline risk for colorectal cancer [1]. Large-scale genome-wide association studies have consistently shown that this genotype represents the baseline risk in the general population [2]. Precancerous growths, such as colorectal adenomas and benign colon polyps, also occur at typical baseline rates [3]. While this genetic profile is protective compared to carrying the risk allele, standard screening guidelines still apply [1]. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in fiber and vegetables, remains important for overall bowel health [2].
Typical baseline risk of colorectal cancer; Typical baseline risk of colon polyps.
Sample genotype: AC (Heterozygous)
Inheriting a single copy of the C allele is linked to a modest increase in the risk of colorectal cancer, estimated at approximately 1.2 to 1.5 times the baseline [1]. This genetic variant is located in a regulatory region on chromosome 8 that influences nearby genes involved in cell growth [2]. Studies indicate that carriers have a slightly higher likelihood of developing colorectal adenomas, which are precancerous polyps that can eventually become malignant [3]. The elevated risk applies to both colon and rectal cancers [4]. Some research suggests that the impact of this variant might be influenced by environmental factors like vegetable consumption [2].
Slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer; Slightly increased risk of colon polyps.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Two copies of the C allele are associated with a moderate increase in colorectal cancer risk, estimated at approximately 1.5 to 2 times the baseline [1]. This genetic profile is thought to alter the expression of genes that regulate cell translation and ribosomal function in the colon lining [2]. Research has shown a corresponding increase in the risk of developing colorectal adenomas and benign colon polyps [3]. The risk elevation is observed across both colon and rectal cancer subtypes [4]. Although this genetic factor increases susceptibility, it is not a direct cause of cancer on its own [1].
Moderately increased risk of colorectal cancer; Moderately increased risk of colon polyps.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10505477 · CASC8 Gene · Chr 8 · Cancer Susceptibility Risk
rs2423279 · HAO1 Gene · Chr 20 · Colorectal Cancer Risk
rs3217810 · CCND2 Gene · Chr 12 · Colorectal Cancer Risk
Discovery of common and rare genetic risk variants for colorectal cancer.
Diversity and scale: Genetic architecture of 2068 traits in the VA Million Veteran Program.
Pan-cancer study detects genetic risk variants and shared genetic basis in two large cohorts.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com