MYC rs6983267: Understanding This Genetic Cancer Risk Factor
The rs6983267 variant is a common genetic marker located on chromosome 8q24 near the MYC gene. It is statistically associated with an increased susceptibility to colorectal and prostate cancers in certain populations.
What each genotype means
Lower cancer risk profile
This genotype is considered the non-risk or protective version of this variant. Research indicates that individuals with this genotype do not show the enhanced TCF4 binding associated with the risk allele, which may result in lower susceptibility to colorectal and prostate cancers compared to those carrying the G allele.
This genotype is common in many populations, though exact frequencies vary significantly by ancestral background.
Intermediate cancer risk profile
Carrying one copy of the G allele is associated with a moderate increase in susceptibility to colorectal and prostate cancers. This variant is thought to influence Wnt signaling pathways by affecting TCF4 transcription factor binding, which may contribute to cancer development.
This heterozygous genotype is frequently observed across diverse global populations.
Increased cancer risk profile
Homozygosity for the G allele is a well-established risk factor that has been linked to an approximately 1.5-fold increase in the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The G allele enhances the binding of the TCF4 transcription factor, which may lead to increased Wnt signaling activity; please consult with a healthcare professional regarding appropriate cancer screening protocols based on your overall health history.
This genotype is common, though its prevalence varies by ancestry, with higher frequencies observed in certain populations.
What is rs6983267?
The rs6983267 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated on chromosome 8q24.21. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence among individuals. This specific location is well-studied because it resides in a region of the genome known to be involved in the regulation of gene expression. While the variant itself does not code for a protein, it is located in a regulatory area that may influence how nearby genes are turned on or off. Researchers have focused on this site because it consistently appears in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) linked to cancer susceptibility. It is important to note that having this variant does not mean an individual will develop cancer; rather, it is one of many factors—including environment, lifestyle, and other genetic markers—that contribute to an individual's overall health profile.
The Role of the MYC Gene
The rs6983267 variant is often discussed in the context of the MYC gene, which is located approximately 335 kilobases away. MYC is a well-known oncogene, meaning it plays a critical role in cell growth, division, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). When functioning normally, MYC helps regulate healthy cell cycles. However, when its expression is dysregulated, it can contribute to the uncontrolled cell proliferation characteristic of cancer. Some research suggests that the rs6983267 variant may influence the binding of transcription factors, such as TCF7L2, which in turn could modulate the expression levels of MYC. While some studies have observed correlations between this SNP and MYC activity, other research has found no direct effect on MYC expression in certain tissues, highlighting the complexity of how this regulatory region functions in different biological contexts.
Research and Evidence Strength
The evidence linking rs6983267 to cancer risk is considered limited to moderate, as findings have been inconsistent across different ethnic groups and study designs. Numerous meta-analyses have identified a statistically significant association between the G allele of rs6983267 and an increased risk of colorectal and prostate cancer, particularly in populations of European descent. For example, some studies report odds ratios ranging from 1.17 to 1.22, indicating a modest increase in relative risk. However, these associations are not universal; some studies have failed to replicate these findings in Asian or African populations, suggesting that the impact of this variant may be ancestry-specific or dependent on other genetic modifiers. Because cancer is a multifactorial disease, this SNP should be viewed as a small piece of a much larger, complex puzzle rather than a definitive diagnostic tool.
What You Can and Cannot Do With This Information
Understanding your genetic markers can be educational, but it is vital to maintain perspective. You cannot use this information to diagnose yourself with cancer or predict a personal health outcome. Because the association between rs6983267 and cancer risk is modest and varies by population, it is not currently used in clinical settings to guide individual medical decisions or screening protocols. If you have concerns about your family history or personal risk for cancer, the most effective action is to consult with a healthcare professional or a genetic counselor. They can evaluate your entire health profile, including lifestyle factors and family history, which are often far more predictive of health outcomes than a single SNP. Always rely on evidence-based screening recommendations from your doctor rather than individual genetic test results.
How common is this variant?
The rs6983267 variant is common across many global populations, though the frequency of the G and T alleles varies significantly by ancestry.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the rs6983267 variant mean I will get cancer?
No. This variant is only one of many factors that influence cancer risk. Most people with this variant will never develop cancer, and many people who develop cancer do not carry this specific variant.
Should I get tested for rs6983267?
There is no clinical recommendation to test for this variant. Because it does not provide a definitive diagnosis or actionable medical guidance, it is not used in routine clinical practice.
Is this variant related to other types of cancer?
While most research focuses on colorectal and prostate cancer, some studies have investigated its role in other cancers. Results have been inconsistent, and the evidence for an association with other cancer types remains weak.
How does this variant affect MYC?
The variant is located in a regulatory region that may influence how the MYC gene is expressed. However, the exact mechanism is still being researched, and some studies have found no direct impact on MYC levels in certain tissues.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/26/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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