New gene mutation implicated in breast cancer.(CANCER NEWSBRIEFS)

A large study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research's annual meeting in April 2009 reveals that almost 26 percent of women who have breast cancer have mutations in gene p53, which is important in controlling cell growth and death. The women with the mutation have poorer outcomes, including a significantly increased risk of death from the cancer. The discovery confirms the findings of other smaller studies, and could be an important step forward in understanding risk factors that lead to development of breast cancer. The p53 gene signals cells to repair DNA damage when it occurs; researchers say that if they can find genetic or environmental risk factors that damage or exert stress on p53, it may be possible to help prevent the development of breast cancer as well as other cancers. Earlier ...