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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Gene Variants Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Testing could lead to hormone therapy for susceptible women

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(Newser) – Scientists have identified versions of a gene that confer a 50% greater chance of developing estrogen-responsive tumors, Bloomberg reports. The study, published in Nature Genetics, found two common gene variants on chromosome 5 that correlated with higher incidences of the types of cancer that respond to estrogen levels. Genetic testing could indicate which women might benefit most from hormone-blocking therapy.

The affected genes have tiny variations in their DNA sequence that change the makeup of proteins responsible for killing undesirable cells. Three-fourths of breast cancers have estrogen-sensitive receptors on their surfaces, and increased rates of cancer have been linked to use of hormone therapy. Breast tumors are the second-most-common cancer in American women, with 182,000 cases each year.

Changes in single nucleotides of DNA make up the differences between the normal gene variants and those associated with a raised risk of breast cancer.
Changes in single nucleotides of DNA make up the differences between the normal gene variants and those associated with a raised risk of breast cancer.   (Flickr)
Running gels is one way to determine the sequence of certain genes, like the one on chromosome 5 that may confer added risk of breast cancer.
Running gels is one way to determine the sequence of certain genes, like the one on chromosome 5 that may confer added risk of breast cancer.   (Flickr)
U.S. first lady Laura Bush, center, speaks during the inauguration of the Mexico-U.S. Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research of the Americas.
U.S. first lady Laura Bush, center, speaks during the inauguration of the Mexico-U.S. Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research of the Americas.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
New findings of genes associated with a higher breast cancer risk may help more women get early diagnoses.
New findings of genes associated with a higher breast cancer risk may help more women get early diagnoses.   (Flickr)
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breast cancer • genetics • estrogen • estrogen replacement therapy • cancer research • Nature Genetics

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