More genetic evidence found in the breast cancer fight
27 October, 2000
A study by Australian researchers published in the October 2000 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that women who inherit a specific genotype of a gene called CYP17 are at increased risk of early-onset breast cancer. Breast cancer affects one in 11 Australian women.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Joint Experimental Oncology Programme of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the University of Queensland, examined the relationship between inheritance of the CYP17 gene and early onset breast cancer.
Over 700 Australian women under the age of 40 were evaluated for family history and other breast cancer risks – 400 had been diagnosed with breast cancer, while 300 acted as controls. Relatives of the women with breast cancer were also included in the analysis to confirm findings.
Researchers found that 23 per cent of the women with breast cancer, who also had a close relative with breast cancer, had inherited copies of a variation of the CYP17 gene from both of their parents compared with only 11 per cent of the control group.
The results of the study will hopefully assist doctors to identify women with an increased susceptibility of early onset breast cancer, and ensure that they have regular screening and mammograms.
Last Reviewed: 27 October 2000
- 1. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2000 Oct 18;92(20):1674-1681
