rs10749971: Understanding Colorectal Cancer Recurrence Associations
The genetic variant rs10749971 is a single nucleotide polymorphism that has been studied for its potential association with colorectal cancer outcomes. Specifically, research has investigated its role in the recurrence of disease among patients previously diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.
What each genotype means
Baseline recurrence risk
This genotype represents the common baseline state for this genetic marker. Research indicates that individuals with this genotype do not carry the specific allele associated with increased colorectal cancer recurrence risk in stage III patients.
This is the most common genotype observed across most global populations.
Elevated recurrence risk
Carrying one copy of the G allele is associated with a statistically higher likelihood of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients diagnosed with stage III disease. This association is based on population-level data and should be discussed with your oncologist to understand how it fits into your overall clinical management plan.
This genotype is found in a significant portion of the population, with frequencies varying by ancestral background.
Increased recurrence risk
Carrying two copies of the G allele is associated with a higher statistical risk of colorectal cancer recurrence for individuals with stage III disease compared to those without the variant. Please consult with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor to discuss how this information may be relevant to your specific clinical situation and follow-up care.
This genotype is less common than the heterozygous state in most populations, though frequency varies significantly by ancestry.
What is rs10749971?
A single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. The variant rs10749971 represents a specific location in the human genome where different individuals may carry different nucleotides. In the context of genetic research, scientists track these variations to determine if they correlate with specific health traits or disease outcomes. Because the human genome is vast, these markers act like signposts that help researchers narrow down regions of interest that might influence biological processes. While rs10749971 is identified by its unique reference SNP ID (rsID) in public databases, it is important to note that the presence of a specific variant does not inherently cause a disease. Instead, it is often one of many factors—including environmental influences, lifestyle, and other genetic markers—that contribute to an individual's overall health profile.
Research and Clinical Associations
The primary interest in rs10749971 stems from its investigation in the context of oncology, particularly regarding colorectal cancer. Published research has examined whether this variant is associated with the likelihood of cancer recurrence in patients who have already been treated for stage III disease. The evidence supporting this association is considered moderate, meaning that while some studies have identified a statistical link, these findings are not necessarily definitive or universal across all patient populations. Genetic associations in cancer are complex, as they often involve the interplay of multiple genes and external factors. Consequently, the scientific community views these findings as a basis for further investigation rather than a diagnostic tool. It is essential to understand that statistical associations observed in large-scale studies describe trends across groups of people and cannot predict the specific clinical outcome for any single individual.
Interpreting Genetic Information
When encountering information about genetic variants like rs10749971, it is crucial to maintain a clear perspective on what this data means for personal health. Genetic testing results regarding cancer predisposition or recurrence risk are not diagnostic. They do not replace standard clinical screenings, such as colonoscopies or blood tests, which remain the gold standard for monitoring health. If you have received information about your genetic profile, it is important to discuss these findings with a qualified healthcare provider or a genetic counselor. They can help interpret the results within the context of your personal and family medical history. Never make changes to your medical care, treatment plans, or screening schedules based solely on information about a single genetic variant. Always rely on the guidance of your clinical team to make informed decisions about your health and long-term care.
How common is this variant?
The frequency of the alleles for rs10749971 varies across different ancestral populations. Detailed frequency data for this specific variant can be found in public databases like gnomAD.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the rs10749971 variant mean I will get cancer?
No. A genetic variant is not a diagnosis. It is simply a marker that has been studied for its statistical association with certain health outcomes in research populations.
Can I use this information to change my cancer treatment?
No. You should never alter your medical treatment or screening plan based on genetic data without consulting your oncologist or primary care physician.
Where can I find more information about this SNP?
You can search for the rsID on reputable scientific databases such as the NCBI SNP database or the GWAS Catalog to see the latest published research.
Is this variant only found in people with colorectal cancer?
No. This variant is a common genetic polymorphism found in the general population, regardless of whether an individual has a history of cancer.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/7/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs10749971?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants in N/A
This variant is significantly associated with survival outcomes in patients with stage III colorectal cancer.
This variant is significantly associated with colorectal cancer recurrence in patients with stage II disease.
This variant is located in a low-complexity region and has been identified in recent genomic catalogs as a rare variant of interest.