Scientists have uncovered a gene mutation that could indicate an increased risk for breast cancer.
The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, identifies mutations in the gene PALB2 that may increase a person's risk of breast cancer.
Researchers looked at 362 members from 154 families who had mutations in the PALB2 gene. Women who had the gene mutation had a one in three chance of developing breast cancer.
They found that individuals with the mutation had a 35 percent chance of developing breast cancer. This is the third gene found to be linked to breast cancer, the other two are BRCA1 and BRCA2.
The risk of breast cancer in women younger than 40 with the mutation was eight to 10 times higher than in the general population, six to eight times as high as women between 40 and 60, and five times higher than those older than 60. The breast cancer was considered "triple negative" meaning it is more likely to be more aggressive and is more likely to recur.
"We're learning all the time about the different factors that may influence a woman's chances of developing breast cancer," said Peter Johnson, chief clinician at the charity Cancer Research UK, which partially funded the study. "This particular mutation doesn't make people certain to develop cancer, but it's another piece of information to help women make proper informed choices about how they may help minimize their risk."
With advances in genetics, people are able to better understand and identify genes that may put them at risk for certain diseases.
Researchers at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge have developed a clinical test for PALB2. Testing will be available for other laboratories as well.
They have also found that cells with the PALB2 mutation are sensitive to PARP inhibitors that are undergoing trials in BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancers.
Lead researcher of the study, Marc Tischowitz, said that testing for this gene would be able to identify women who may need additional surveillance such as an MRI breast screening in order to monitor for breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. In 2010, 206,966 women and 2,039 men were diagnosed with breast cancer according to the CDC.
