Most women know about the BRCA 1 and 2 gene mutations and how they significantly increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. But they probably haven’t heard of the rare genes PALB2 and ATM, which pose a similar risk….
A large global study led by researchers at the University of Melbourne and Cancer Council Victoria has confirmed these genes increase the risk of breast cancer.
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About 55 to 65 [percent] of women who inherit the BRCA1 mutation and around 45 [percent] of women who inherit the BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by the age of 70.
The findings…will lead to new genetic screening, counselling and clinical guidelines, they say.
Prof Southey…said a major challenge in cancer research is determining which genetic changes are connected to cancer risk.
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“It’s only by screening the DNA of tens of thousands of people in different countries that we have gained a clearer picture of their significance in causing cancers,” said Prof Southey.
Prof Milne says the more they know about the different mutations, the closer they get to personalising treatments.
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