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Gene Variants Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Testing could lead to hormone therapy for susceptible women

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 28, 2008 10:42 AM CDT

(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. (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. (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. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

New findings of genes associated with a higher breast cancer risk may help more women get early diagnoses. (Flickr)

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Gene Variants Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Testing could lead to hormone therapy for susceptible women

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New drug combos delay tumor growth in advanced cases

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It might counteract susceptibility to specific form of breast cancer: Study

To Cut Cancer Risk, Stop Drinking So Much

Sticking to advised limits would prevent thousands of cases

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Gene Variants Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Testing could lead to hormone therapy for susceptible women

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

On the plus side

breast cancer • genetics • estrogen • estrogen replacement therapy • cancer research • Nature Genetics

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Planned Parenthood Aside, Komen Is Just Ineffective

We must continue to put pressure on breast cancer organization: Peggy Orenstein

Drug Combos Hailed as Big Breast Cancer Breakthrough

New drug combos delay tumor growth in advanced cases

Another Study Says Sitting Too Long Ups Cancer Risk

Inactivity linked to greater risk of breast, colon cancer

Breastfeeding Reduces Black Women's Cancer Risk

It might counteract susceptibility to specific form of breast cancer: Study

To Cut Cancer Risk, Stop Drinking So Much

Sticking to advised limits would prevent thousands of cases

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?