Methods and compositions for detecting cancers

A method for detecting an SLC5A8-associated cancer, comprising:

• a) obtaining a sample from a patient;
• and
• b) performing an assay of said sample for the presence of methylation within a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:
• 12-13;
• wherein methylation of said nucleotide sequence is indicative of a SLC5A8-associated cancer.

A method for monitoring over time an SLC5A8-associated cancer comprising:

• a) detecting the methylation status within a nucleotide sequence of the SLC5A8 gene selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:
• 12-13 in a sample from the subject for a first time;
• and
• b) detecting the methylation status within a nucleotide sequence of the SLC5A8 gene selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:
• 12-13 in a sample from the same subject at a later time;
• wherein the absence of methylation in said nucleotide sequence of the SLC5A8 gene taken at a later time and the presence of methylation in said nucleotide sequence of the SLC5A8 gene taken at the first time is indicative of cancer regression;
• wherein the presence of methylation in said nucleotide sequence of the SLC5A8 gene taken at a later time and the absence of methylation in said nucleotide sequence of the SLC5A8 gene taken at the first time is indicative of cancer progression.