More women at risk due to discovery of further cancer causing gene mutations
It has been confirmed that there are now 179 separate gene mutations that can be passed down families and increase breast cancer risk
ONE in five women are at much higher risk of breast cancer because of faulty genes, new research shows.
One of the largest medical probes ever conducted for breast cancer has found 179 separate mutations which can be passed on through families.
It means that for one in five women their genes mean they have almost a third higher chance of contracting the disease.
For one in ten the risk is as much as 70%, according to the research led by Cambridge University.
The study looked at some 11.8million genetic ‘spelling mistakes’ in DNA which increase breast cancer risk.
Some 107 genes already linked to breast cancer were confirmed while scientists found 72 new ones.
Scientists now believe a simple blood test could identify women at greater risk to establish much earlier diagnosis.
