RINT1 – breast cancer gene responsible for early onset of ailment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

By: Agencies | | Updated: October 27, 2013 11:40 am

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A new cancer risk gene has been discovered which may be the reason for early-onset of breast cancer in families where the disease runs. The international team of investigators led by the University of Melbourne, identified rare mutations in the RINT1 gene to increase risk of breast and many other cancers. ‘This discovery will assist some more women learn the genetic explanation for their breast cancer risk and which of their family members are at high risk of developing cancer. Currently only about 35 per cent of the familial risk for breast cancer has been explained,’ Professor Melissa Southey from the University’s Department of Pathology, said. ‘Although mutations in RINT1 are rare, it is most likely that the remaining unknown breast cancer susceptibility genes will account for similar small proportions of the disease,’ said co-researcher Dr Daniel Park. Also Read - 7 reasons why the #BeefBan is good

Rare mutations in RINT1 were identified in three of 49 families participating in a multiple-case breast cancer family study. The study applied the latest technology to search for unidentified breast cancer susceptibility genes. The researchers then assessed the association between RINT1 mutations and breast cancer risk by conducting a population-based case-control study that identified 23 mutation carriers in a sample of 1,313 women diagnosed with early-onset breast cancer and only 6 mutation carriers in 1,123 unaffected women, demonstrating a significant association between mutations in RINT1 and risk of early onset breast cancer. Further research included testing an additional 684 affected women from multiple-case breast cancer families for RINT1 mutations and six additional families were found to carry mutations in RINT1.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Yet, there are more misconceptions surrounding the disease, than there are facts. Here, we bust some of the widespread myths to give you the truth.

Myth# 1: Only women over 40 need to worry about breast cancer

Living with this false belief can be dangerous. Breast cancer can affect an individual of any age. The disease is more common in post-menopausal women, but 20 per cent of women with breast cancer are younger than 40. Hence, younger women should have their breasts examined by a doctor at least once a year; and begin regular mammographic screening after they turn 40. Though, there is a low risk of a breast mass in younger women being cancerous, but if you feel a growth, it’s always advisable to have it checked as soon as possible. (Read: ‘Breast cancer is not preventable’ (Expert interview))

Myth#2: Men can’t get breast cancer

Because of their anatomy, it’s believed that only women get breast cancer. The truth is that although women develop breast cancer at a much higher rate, men can develop breast cancer, too. In fact, in the US alone, about 1600 men will develop breast cancer by the end of this year. The symptoms and the treatment of the disease in men is the same as that in women. Just as in women, the risk in men also increases with advancing age. (Read: Man struck with breast cancer twice!)

Myth#3: Antiperspirants and deodorants can cause breast cancer

A lot of people believe that if you get a cut near your breast [while shaving your armpits] and you use an antiperspirant or deodorant over that area, it leaks into the skin, which causes breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no scientific evidence supporting this belief. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, carried out to investigate a co-relation between antiperspirants and breast cancer, found no increase in the incidence of breast cancer in women who used antiperspirants. The study concluded: there are other factors that cause breast cancer, and antiperspirants aren’t one of them. Read more about breast cancer myths! Read more breast cancer myths…

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Published : October 26, 2013 6:34 pm | Updated:October 27, 2013 11:40 am

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