Gene present in 1 in 8 women increased breast cancer risk 120%--screening?

[Lani]

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Test May Help Predict Breast Cancer Risk
Mar. 27 - It's a frightening statistic -0 one in every eight women will develop breast cancer over the course of her life. As always, the key to survival is a timely diagnosis. Researchers believe they've found a blood test to predict breast cancer risk earlier than ever before.

Gabriella does not know yet whether she actually has the gene mutation. Now a new study is comparing sisters -- one with breast cancer and the other without-to try to confirm the gene variant's role in breast cancer risk. If the results are confirmed, this could be a standard screening test within the next few years.

Gabriella Meredith was the picture of health, so it came as a complete shock when her doctor told her she had breast cancer.


Gabriella Meredith, breast cancer survivor: "Incredible surprise, of course, devastated."

That was more than two years ago. She received treatment and is in remission.

Gabriella Meredith: "I'm well. I'm doing fine."

Now she's helping other women by taking part in a study that shows great promise in predicting breast cancer risk.

Boris pasche, MD, Ph.D., FACP cancer geneticist: "Women diagnosed early stage do much better than those diagnosed later."

Researchers are using a simple blood test to help determine who may someday get breast cancer. The key, mutations in a gene with a long name -- it's called TGF beta receptor type-1.

They found patients over 50 with this mutated gene have a 120 percent increased risk of breast cancer.

Dr. Pasche: "We could quite accurately predict breast cancer risk in about 30 percent of all women, totally independent of other risk factors."

Up until now, testing has predominantly been done on genes such as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2-which are found in one of every 500 people.

The TGF genes are much more common.

Dr. Pasche: "The gene we found in this report is found in one in every eight individuals."

That means more people could be made aware they face an increased threat-and could be put on a tailored screening program of mammographies or MRI's to catch the disease as soon as possible.

Dr. Pasche: "Such tools could be used and potentially result in reduced risk of much more deadly breast cancer."