rs1956218: Coffee Consumption and Endometrial Cancer Survival
The genetic variant rs1956218 is an intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that has been identified in genome-wide association studies as a marker related to habitual coffee consumption. Research has also explored its potential association with overall survival rates in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
What each genotype means
Typical coffee consumption profile
This genotype is associated with habitual coffee consumption patterns observed in population studies. Research suggests that genetic variants in this region may influence how individuals interact with coffee, though the specific biological mechanism remains under investigation. This finding does not indicate a medical condition, and any concerns regarding diet or health should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
This is a common genotype found in European populations.
Typical coffee consumption profile
Individuals with this genotype carry one copy of each allele, which is associated with standard coffee intake behaviors in large-scale studies. While this variant has been linked to coffee consumption and potential outcomes in endometrial cancer research, the evidence is considered moderate and does not imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Please consult with a clinician if you have specific concerns about your health or dietary habits.
This heterozygous genotype is frequently observed in individuals of European ancestry.
Typical coffee consumption profile
This genotype is commonly found in the general population and is included in studies examining the relationship between genetics, coffee intake, and health outcomes. While some research has explored links between this variant and survival metrics in specific cancer contexts, these associations are statistical in nature and do not predict individual health outcomes. Always discuss your health and lifestyle choices with a qualified medical provider.
This genotype is common among European populations.
What is rs1956218?
The variant rs1956218 is a single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, located in an intergenic region of the human genome. Intergenic regions are the stretches of DNA situated between genes; while they do not code for proteins directly, they often contain regulatory elements that influence how nearby genes are expressed. Because rs1956218 is not located within a specific gene, it is often studied as a genetic marker rather than a direct functional driver of a biological process. Scientists identify such variants through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which scan the entire genome to find statistical correlations between specific DNA changes and observable traits or health outcomes. In the case of rs1956218, its primary identification in scientific literature stems from its statistical association with the amount of coffee individuals consume, making it a subject of interest in the field of nutrigenomics.
Research and Associations
The evidence linking rs1956218 to health outcomes is considered moderate and primarily statistical in nature. Recent research, including Mendelian randomization studies, has utilized this variant as a genetic instrument to investigate the relationship between coffee intake and various disease outcomes. Specifically, some studies have observed that the presence of this variant is associated with shorter overall survival in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. It is important to note that while these statistical associations exist, they do not necessarily imply a direct causal mechanism. The biological pathways connecting this specific intergenic location to cancer prognosis remain an active area of investigation. Furthermore, most research in this area highlights that while coffee consumption itself is often inversely associated with the risk of developing endometrial cancer, the specific impact of this genetic variant on survival outcomes requires further validation in larger, more diverse clinical cohorts.
Understanding Your Results
If you have received information about your rs1956218 genotype, it is essential to interpret these findings within the context of current scientific limitations. This variant is a tool for researchers to understand population-level trends rather than a diagnostic test for individual health. You cannot use this information to predict your personal risk of cancer or to make decisions about your diet or medical care. Genetic associations are complex and influenced by a wide array of environmental, lifestyle, and other genetic factors. If you are concerned about your health, cancer risk, or the impact of your dietary habits, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a genetic counselor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your full medical history and clinical evidence, rather than relying on a single genetic marker that is still being studied in the scientific community.
How common is this variant?
The rs1956218 variant is common in European populations, where the G allele is frequently observed as the major allele.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the rs1956218 variant mean I will get cancer?
No. This variant is a statistical marker associated with coffee consumption and survival outcomes in existing cancer patients, not a diagnostic test for cancer risk.
Should I change my coffee intake based on this SNP?
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that you should alter your coffee consumption based on this genetic variant. Always consult your doctor regarding dietary changes.
Is rs1956218 a gene?
No, rs1956218 is an intergenic SNP, meaning it is located in the DNA between genes rather than within a gene itself.
Where can I find more information on this variant?
You can search for rs1956218 on the GWAS Catalog or the NCBI dbSNP database to see the latest peer-reviewed research and population data.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/10/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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