Family history of breast cancer risk is assessed
Women who have a family history of early breast cancer are in a high-risk group for developing it themselves before the age of 40, according to new research.
The increase in likelihood of women in this age group getting breast cancer was 15 times higher than the control rates, the University of Toronto study found.
Steven Narod, senior author, said it was obvious there was a genetic link to the onset of breast cancer in the under-40s as those who got it often did not have the gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2.
As women with breast cancer insurance might have heard, these two genes, if discovered to have mutated, usually prompt preventative treatments, such as tamoxifen.
Mr Narod said: "Our hope is to be able to prevent or pick up on breast cancer early enough to stop patients from dying.
"We will see what patients decide to do with this advice."
The research was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research's seventh annual International Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research conference.
Men as well as women who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations run an increased risk of developing the disease. 
Adfero Ltd provides live and tailored breaking industry news for Chartis Direct. All industry news is prepared by Adfero Ltd and as such does not represent the views or opinions of Chartis Direct a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited.
© Adfero Ltd 2008
