To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Genetic Mutations In Women With Breast Cancer May Lead To Increased Risk Of Ovarian Cancer URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/898EA.htm Doctor's Guide June 29, 1998
BOCA RATON, FL -- June 29, 1998 -- Scientists at 12 of the nation's leading hereditary cancer centres revealed new data that may provide another reason for breast cancer survivors to find out if they have a hereditary form of the disease. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in women with breast cancer may lead to a 10-fold increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. "I believe that this is one of the most important findings of the study," said Dr. James Fiorica, professor and chief of the gynecologic oncology program at the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute. "Doctors need to know if a patient has the hereditary form of breast cancer so that their risk of ovarian cancer can be managed appropriately." The multi-centre study evaluated 238 women with breast cancer before age 50 or ovarian cancer at any age and at least one relative with either disease. In the first full sequence analysis of both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – which are responsible for most hereditary forms of breast and ovarian cancer – the study showed that nearly 40 percent of the participants were found to have mutations in either of the two genes responsible for their disease. The study provides enhanced guidelines to help physicians recognise which women should be assessed for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. "This is important because women and their doctors have really struggled with the issue of who to test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer," said co-author Funmi Olopade, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the Cancer Risk Clinic at the University of Chicago Medical Center. "All women with breast cancer diagnosed under age 50 and any history of breast or ovarian cancer in a close relative should probably consider testing." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.