Latest Cancer Research: Scientists found new gene linked to higher breast cancer risk

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that women having mutations in the PALB2 gene have on average a 35% increases chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70 years. But the risk was also dependant on family history. So women who were carriers and also had more relatives affected by breast cancer, had an increased risk.

They study was carried out by a team of researchers from 17 centres in eight countries led by the University of Cambridge. They analysed data from 154 families without BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, which included 362 family members with PALB2 gene mutations.

PALB2 is a gene that is known to interact with both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which have been linked to breast cancer in the year 2007. So women carrying mutations in both BRCA1 or BRCA2 along with a mutation in PALB2 and were born earlier had a greater risk of developing breast cancer than those born earlier.

Marc Tischkowitz from the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Cambridge, who led the study, said that since the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were discovered in the mid-90s, no other genes of similar importance have been found and the consensus in the scientific community if more exist they would have found them by now. PALB2 is a potential candidate to be ''BRCA3''. As mutations in this gene are uncommon, obtaining accurate risk figures is only possible through large international collaborations like this.

Here are symptoms of breast cancer

Symptom #1: Lumps

If you notice a hard lump or knot, that is usually painless in your breast (either one or both), then it's time to get a mammography done. Finding a lump does take a little bit of effort, and doing regular breast self exams are imperative to catch this symptom early.

Symptom #2: Slight hardening

Occasionally, you might not be able to discern a clear cut lump cannot, but a 'lumpish' feel is there. And this feel is different as compared to the same area of the opposite breast. You will feel a sort of hardening in one area of your breast(s) which must be investigated early. Usually this symptom is ignored as a minor change in the composition of your breast but, considering it could be an early indicator of breast cancer, get yourself tested as soon as you can.

Symptom #3: Nipple discharge

Under normal circumstances there should be no discharge from your nipples '(unless you are pregnant or have just had a baby), but if you see bloody or blood stained fluid being discharged from your nipples, it a sign that you need to visit your doctor immediately. Read more about 6 breast cancer symptoms you should never ignore

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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• 12 risk factors for breast cancer you should know
• 10 tips to detect breast cancer early
• 'Breast cancer is not preventable' (Expert interview)

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