Scientists make breast cancer risk finding

Scientists have identified a DNA region which can increase or decrease the high breast cancer risk associated with the BRCA1 gene. This research is published in Nature Genetics.

20 Sep

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Julia Wilson, Head of Research at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said:

"Around one in 20 of all breast cancer cases are due to inherited faults in　known genes, such as BRCA1.　These findings show how another area of DNA can influence the BRCA1 gene and alter the risk of developing breast cancer. This is very exciting and adds another piece to the puzzle in understanding why some women are at higher risk of breast cancer.

"In future we hope this knowledge will help identify women at higher risk of breast cancer and allow them to work with their doctor to make informed choices about their care."