Fed: First gene discovered to shield against breast cancer

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2007
Fed: First gene discovered to shield against breast cancer

Scientists have unearthed a genetic mutation that gives one in four women a small shield
against breast cancer.

It's the first concrete discovery of a common gene linked to the disease .. and is
the biggest find for the field since two very rare and high-risk genes were identified
a decade ago.

Australian researchers contributed to the international study which found a genetic
variation that gives some women a 10 per cent reduced risk of breast cancer.

Everyone has the gene .. called Caspase 8 .. but 25 per cent of women of European descent
have a mutated variation which gives them a little protection.

And two per cent have two variations .. giving them twice the defence.

Leader of the Australian research arm .. Dr GEORGIA CHENEVIX-TRENCH from the Queensland
Institute of Medical Research .. says it's the first absolutely validated and confirmed
low risk gene for breast cancer.

AAP RTV tam/wz/cp/bart

KEYWORD: BREAST (SYDNEY)

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