Possible Link Found Between Virus and Colon Cancer

NEW YORK Nov 15, 2002 (Reuters Health) - A common type of herpesvirus may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer, preliminary research suggests.

The virus, called cytomegalovirus (CMV), is widespread and normally causes no problems in healthy individuals. As many as 90% of US adults may carry CMV, which in most cases remains dormant.

However, some research has suggested CMV infection can help promote heart disease, possibly by causing long-term inflammation in the body. Now the new study hints at a potential role in cancer of the colon and rectum--although, the lead author told Reuters Health, it does not prove the virus helps cause the cancer.