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March 22, 2006

Breast Cancer Gene Test Has Flaw

The widely used genetic test for breast cancer risk can miss mutations that help cause the disease, according to a new study, a finding that is likely to increase the pressure to develop more thorough testing methods.

The test, which looks for mutations in genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2, missed them in about 12 percent of breast cancer patients from families with multiple cases of breast or ovarian cancer, according to the study's authors at the University of Washington. (nytimes.com)

Posted by news editor at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)

March 20, 2006

Asymmetrical Breasts and Breast Cancer Linked

According to a new study, having assymetrical breasts may increase the chances that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers believe the reason may be that estrogen appears to play a role in asymmetry.

In a study published Monday in the journal Breast Cancer Research, researchers reported that each 3.38-ounce increase in breast asymmetry, as measured by mammography, predicted a 50 percent increase in breast cancer risk. (CBS News)

Posted by news editor at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)