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    News and Articles on BRCA2



    Scan could cut breast removal ops  Nov 22, 2009
    Around 2% of breast cancer is due to the recently discovered breast cancer gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with one of these gene mutations come from families where there is a strong family risk of breast cancer, and more than half of them will develop breast cancer by the age of 70. (BBC News)

    For Many, Mammography Every Other Year Has Benefits of Annual Screening, but Less Harm  Nov 18, 2009
    28, 2009) The risk of radiation-induced breast cancer may outweigh the benefits of mammography in women under the age of 30 who carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, according to a mathematical modeling. (July 20, 2007) According to a new study women coping with the strain of being mistakenly diagnosed with breast cancer have not been adequately studied in the past. (Science Daily)

    Breast 'awareness' is key, docs say  Nov 18, 2009
    Part of breast cancer risk has to do with genetics, and particularly strong links have been found to the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. You should be aware of your own risk by taking into account your family history. (CNN)

    Constitutional Challenge to Human Patents Allowed  Nov 4, 2009
    The case revolves around seven patents relating to human genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, mutations of which have been tied to breast and ovarian cancer ... In the late 1990s, Myriad began contacting researchers at the National Cancer Institute and various universities who were working with BRCA1 and BRCA2, demanding they cease their research on the genes and stop testing women for risk-carrying mutations ... The plaintiffs claimed that the BRCA1 and BRCA2 patents are invalid because they cover "products... (Law.com)

    Breast cancer claims life of Pembroke woman, Paula Swanson  Nov 3, 2009
    Except Gail, the sisters learned they have a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that increase their risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The knowledge that Paula died on what would have been their late mother s birthday was comforting to the sisters. (Pembroke Mariner, MA)

    Ovarian cancer hard to detect  Nov 3, 2009
    Although estimates suggest familial links play a role in 5 percent to 10 percent of these cancers, having one of two altered genes -- BRCA1 or BRCA2 -- raises the risk for breast cancer from about 8 percent in the general population up to as high as 85 percent. For ovarian cancer, the risk rises from less than 2 percent up to as high as 47 percent. (Florida Today)

    Personal choice, personal mission  Oct 31, 2009
    Keith's DNA carries the BRCA2 mutation that can cause breast and cervical cancer. The average woman has a 12 percent chance of developing breast cancer in a lifetime, but a woman with a BRCA2 mutation has a 50 percent to 85 percent risk. (Albany Times Union)

    A painful family inheritance for former Georgetown resident  Oct 30, 2009
    Hereditary breast cancers account for 5 to 10 percent of all cases, usually due to mutations in the so-called BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, according to the National Cancer Institute ... BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors ... In normal cells, BRCA1 and BRCA2 help ensure the stability of the cell s genetic material and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. (Georgetown Record, MA)

    Tweens battle an adult disease  Oct 27, 2009
    Litton found that in women with the gene mutation BRCA1 and BRCA2, which is linked to , the disease is diagnosed six years earlier than the previous generation. The cause remains unclear. (CNN)

    Empower Yourselves  Oct 23, 2009
    Only five percent of women with breast cancer carry the mutated gene, BRCA1 or BRCA2 which can cause breast cancer. Such women are usually prememopausal and have a family member with breast or ovarian cancer. (The Star Online, Malaysia)

    Breast Cancer Gene Tied to Diagnosis at Younger Age  Oct 20, 2009
    Women with the mutations, known as BRCA1 or BRCA2, have an increased risk of developing breast tumors. Over a lifetime, 60 percent of them will develop the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. (MEDLINEplus)

    Genetics may hold key to prevention, treatment  Oct 17, 2009
    Genetic testing, which is covered by insurance, typically looks for mutations in two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Sajer said mutations in these genes, known as breast ovarian cancer syndrome, have been linked to the development of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and are especially common in young people and in the population she treats in the Concord area. (Concord Journal, MA)

    Original KISS drummer survived breast cancer  Oct 17, 2009
    But like women, men's risk of breast cancer increases if they inherit BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. Criss said he learned that breast cancer ran in his family, so he called his sisters, nieces, daughter and even his brother about possible risks. (CNN)

    Breast Cancer Gene: Who Wants To Know?  Oct 13, 2009
    In the 1980s, scientists discovered that mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were linked to breast cancer risk. Women who carry a BCRA1 mutation have a 65 percent chance of developing breast cancer by age 70, and women with a BCRA2 mutation have a 39 percent risk. (Click2Houston, TX)

    Taking a drastic step to thwart breast cancer  Oct 11, 2009
    For those who test positive for a mutation in a pair of genes known as BRCA1 or BRCA2, the chances increase to 60 to 85 percent ... Both sisters decided that if they tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, they would opt for a preventative mastectomy. (AZCentral -- News)

    Breast cancer patients with high risk gene diagnosed 6 years earlier than generation before  Oct 10, 2009
    When stratified by BRCA1 or 2 mutation, the median age of diagnosis in BRCA1 and BRCA2 positive gen2 women was 42 and 44, respectively, and 43 and 50, respectively in BRCA1 positive and BRCA2 positive gen1 women. "These findings are certainly concerning and could have implications on the screening and genetic counseling of these women," Litton said. (EurekAlert!)

    KIRO 7's Michelle Millman: Coping With Chemo  Oct 9, 2009
    The genes tested are the BRCA1 and the BRCA2. If I had the genetic mutation I would have a 50% chance of passing those genes onto my two sons and that would give them a higher than average chance of developing breast, prostate or pancreatic cancer. (KIRO TV, WA)

    PAINT THE TOWN PINK: Breast cancer an equal opportunity disease  Oct 9, 2009
    The tests were negative for BRCA 1 or BRCA2. They told me it was environmental. (Kingston Mariner, MA)

    Dr. Elizabeth Kent: Family history of breast cancer what does it mean?  Oct 6, 2009
    The two most common genes that predispose to breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes affect men as well as women, and can also increase the risk of ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)

    Don't Believe Breast Cancer Myths  Oct 1, 2009
    org, "of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited genetic abnormality, 40 to 80 percent will develop breast cancer over their lifetime; 20 to 60 percent won't.". Women who change their lifestyle by quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, reducing stress or adding physically and mentally restoring practices such as walking, yoga, meditation or t'ai chi, can significantly reduce their risk of... (Click2Houston, TX)

    How BRACAnalysis Tests for Breast C...  Oct 1, 2009
    The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes encode proteins that can lead to breast cancer in women ... The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are indicated in the development of breast cancer ... People who have breast cancer in family members who developed the disease early in life are even more susceptible to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation development. (Suite101.com)

    More Mastectomies Done for Healthy Breasts  Oct 1, 2009
    Part of the reason: the much wider availability and awareness of genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, she tells WebMD. These gene mutations are associated with an 85 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a much higher chance of tumors appearing in both breasts, according to the. Greater social acceptance of double mastectomies and improved cosmetic surgery techniques are additional reasons for the growing numbers, says Simmons. (CBS News -- Health)

    New drug 'can treat more cancers'  Sep 16, 2009
    PARP inhibitors have already produced impressive results when tested on patients with advanced breast, ovarian and prostate cancer caused by defects in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In a recent clinical trial more than half of the patients' tumours shrank or stabilised, despite the fact that they had not responded well to standard therapies. (BBC News -- Health)

    Individual Genetic Data Illuminates How Genes Influence Human Health  Sep 16, 2009
    The authors admit that genetic research is progressing, and they cite the example of the discovery of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and their role in breast cancer. However, the authors caution that, while there is no question these genes are involved in breast cancer, the underlying mechanisms behind the genetic risk are still being worked out. (Science Daily)

    Medications That Lower Breast Cancer Risk Carry Other Dangers  Sep 16, 2009
    The women may be termed high risk due to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, a strong family history, both, or other factors. Some choose to take the drugs to reduce risk. (MEDLINEplus)

    Replication At DNA Damage Sites Highlights Fanconi Anemia And Breast Cancer Proteins  Sep 12, 2009
    Three of the FA genes recently were found to be identical to breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA2, BACH1 and PALB2. "This led us to begin to examine breast cancer genes, since we thought they might have something to do with the repair of DNA crosslinkers," Li said. (Science Daily)

    Breast Cancer: Risk Increases For Smokers And Overweight Women  Sep 5, 2009
    What makes this study unique is how test subjects were not diagnosed for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which predispose women to breast cancer ... "To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted on a sample of women without BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are often found in French-Canadian women," says lead researcher Vishnee Bissonauth, a graduate of the Universit; de Montr;al's Department of Nutrition and a researcher at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center ...... (Science Daily)

    Smoking, obesity up breast cancer risk  Sep 2, 2009
    Published in the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology, the study is unique because it did not include subjects who were diagnosed for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which predispose women to breast cancer ... "To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted on a sample of women without BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are often found in French-Canadian women," said lead researcher Vishnee Bissonauth, a graduate of the Universite de Montreal's Department of Nutrition, and a researcher at the... (India Times, India)

    Somerset Hospital plans cancer benefit (761)  Aug 29, 2009
    Somerset Hospital plans cancer benefit - Somerset - Daily American. I am a cancer survivor, she said. (Somerset Daily American, PA)

    Many Opt For Surgery to Lower Breast, Ovarian Cancer Risk  Aug 11, 2009
    Their study included 211 women, aged 35 to 45, with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which are known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer ... Forty percent of women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations had both breasts removed and 45 percent had both ovaries removed ... When looked at separately, 52 percent of BRCA1 gene mutation carriers had both ovaries removed, compared with 28 percent of BRCA2 gene mutation carriers, the researchers found. (MEDLINEplus)

    Breastfeeding 'cuts breast cancer risk'  Aug 11, 2009
    Women who carry the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are known to have an increased lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Australia's Dr Judy Kirk, a spokeswoman for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, said childbirth was known to offer a protective effect against breast cancer for these women. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)

    Fears that patents could restrict use of life-saving measures  Aug 6, 2009
    The inquiry follows the decision last year of Genetic Technologies, in Melbourne, to enforce its exclusive right to perform commercial DNA testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancer. All other laboratories were ordered to stop performing the test, and although the demand was legal under the current framework, the company later backed down. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)

    Women often opt to surgically remove their breasts, ovaries to reduce cancer risk  Aug 6, 2009
    Rate of increase was measured among 211 women with known unaffected BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are hereditary gene mutations that indicate an increased risk for developing breast cancer ... These surgeries are widely used by carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations to reduce the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. (EurekAlert!)

    Stem Cell 'Daughters' Lead To Breast Cancer  Aug 5, 2009
    4, 2009) Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists have found that a population of breast cells called luminal progenitor cells are likely to be responsible for breast cancers that develop in women carrying mutations in the gene BRCA1. BRCA1 gene mutations are found in 10-20 per cent of women with hereditary breast cancer. (Science Daily)

    Flawed gene link to ovary cancer  Aug 3, 2009
    The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which cause breast cancer are already known to significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer - but faults in these genes are rare and probably cause fewer than 5% of cases so scientists have been looking for other genetic faults which could help explain inherited risk. Genuine hope. (BBC News)

    Radiation Dose, Cancer Risk From Coronary Artery Calcium Screening Estimated  Jul 17, 2009
    28, 2009) The risk of radiation-induced breast cancer may outweigh the benefits of mammography in women under the age of 30 who carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, according to a mathematical modeling. (Dec. (Science Daily)

    Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor in BRCA-Related Cancer  Jul 9, 2009
    Background The inhibition of poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP] ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a potential synthetic lethal therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers with specific DNA-repair defects, including those arising in carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation ... Selection was aimed at having a study population enriched in carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation ... Results We enrolled and treated 60 patients; 22 were carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and 1 had a strong family history... (New England Journal of Medicine)

    Cancer gene test 'for all women'  Jul 7, 2009
    The best known of these are faults in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but there are several others. Researchers say that it is becoming feasible to work out whether a woman is at "low", "moderate" or "high" risk of cancer by looking at which combinations of these she has. (BBC News -- Health)

    Did Evolution Make Us Cancer Prone?  Jul 4, 2009
    29, 2007) Men with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at greater risk of breast cancer than the general population. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1 percent of all breast cancers in the U.S.. (Science Daily)

    New Cancer Drug Fights Tumors in Those with BRCA Mutations  Jun 26, 2009
    Women who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are susceptible to developing breast and ovarian cancer, and among men these mutations are related to an increased risk for prostate cancer, the British researchers noted ... In a phase 1 trial, led by Dr. Johann S. de Bono, from the Institute of Cancer Research at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Sutton, U.K., the scientists treated 60 men and women who were carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, or had a family history of BRCA-related... (MEDLINEplus)

    New cancer drug 'shows promise'  Jun 25, 2009
    Olaparib was given to 19 patients with inherited forms of advanced breast, ovarian and prostate cancers caused by mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes ... " Olaparib is the first successful example of a new type of personalised medicine using a technique called "synthetic lethality" - a subtle way of exploiting the body's own molecular weaknesses for positive effect. In this case the drug takes advantage of the fact that while normal cells have several different ways of repairing damage to... (BBC News)

    Bazell: 'PARP inhibitors' result of long journey  Jun 25, 2009
    BRCA1, BRCA2 raise risk for breast cancerIn September 1994, scientists from a company called Myriad Genetics and government researchers simultaneously won the race. It turned out there were two genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 ... What initially eluded the scientists was how BRCA1 and BRCA2 caused cancer. (MSNBC -- Health)

    New therapies: Breast, lymph cancer  Jun 1, 2009
    The second clinical study involved 54 women suffering from advanced breast cancer linked to the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2. They were treated with the PARP blocker Olaparib made by the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical AstraZenica. (India Times, India)

    Genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer risk may be greatly underutilized  May 22, 2009
    But women with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes may be 3 to 7 times more likely to develop breast cancer and 9 to 30 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women with unaltered forms of the genes. Several organizations have issued clinical guidelines designating who should be screened for BRCA1/2 mutations, and while there have been discrepancies among the guidelines, all of them include a history of breast or ovarian cancer in close relatives among the criteria indicating... (EurekAlert!)

    Lawsuit Looks to 'Take Down' Patents on Human Genes  May 15, 2009
    "They have gone around and shut down researchers who are doing BRCA1 and BRCA2 research and providing clinical services," Ravicher says. "That includes universities like the University of Pennsylvania and New York University. They send cease and desist letters, and threaten to sue people.". (Law.com)

    Lawsuit filed over gene patents  May 14, 2009
    and the research foundation hold patents on the pair of genes -- known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 -- that are responsible for many cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers ... " More than 192,000 U.S. women get diagnoses each year, and about 5 to 10 percent of those cases are a hereditary form of the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 -- short for breast cancer 1 and breast cancer 2 -- are involved in many cases of hereditary breast and ovarian... (CNN -- Health)

    Association for Molecular Pathology joins ACLU to challenge gene patents  May 14, 2009
    Suit charges that Myriad Genetics BRCA1 and BRCA2 patents interfere with the free flow of information and knowledge in violation of the First Amendment and that human genes are 'products of nature' that cannot be patented ... Individuals with certain mutations along these two genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at a significantly higher risk for developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)

    Can Corporations Own Your DNA?  May 14, 2009
    It was able to patent the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 - the genes most often linked to breast and ovarian cancer. And owning the patent essentially means that Myriad owns the genes themselves. (CBS News)

    Dogene patents spur or stifle science?  May 14, 2009
    Myriad built its business plan around controlling all medical testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene sequences. It applied for a U.S. patent back in 1994 on the BRCA1 gene sequence and later for patent protection on both genetic messages in Europe and other nations. (MSNBC -- Health)

    DNA suit pits patients against patents  May 14, 2009
    Dr. Chung and others involved with the suit do not accuse Myriad of being a poor steward of the information concerning the two genes at issue in the suit, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, but they argue that BRCA testing would improve if market forces were allowed to work. Harry Ostrer, director of the human genetics program at the New York University School of Medicine and a plaintiff in the case, said that many laboratories could perform the BRCA tests faster than Myriad, and for less money than the... (MSNBC -- Health)

    How human genes become patented  May 14, 2009
    Many cases of hereditary breast cancer, are linked with the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are patented ... The targets of the lawsuit, Myriad Genetics and the University of Utah Research Foundation, hold patents to BRCA1 and BRCA2, the genes responsible for many cases of hereditary and ovarian cancers ... The lawsuit asserts that the patents prevent some people from accessing medical screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2. (CNN -- Health)

    * Cancer patients, pathologists join forces in lawsuit to challenge gene patents  May 14, 2009
    The plaintiffs do not accuse Myriad of being a poor steward of the information concerning the two genes at issue in the suit, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, but they argue that BRCA testing would improve if market forces were allowed to work. Harry Ostrer, director of the human genetics program at the New York University School of Medicine and a plaintiff in the case, said many laboratories could perform the BRCA tests faster than Myriad and for less money. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)

    Breast Cancer Action Sues to End Gene Patenting  May 13, 2009
    SAN FRANCISCO, May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Breast Cancer Action (BCA) is challenging the legality of patenting human "breast cancer genes." BCA is joining the American Civil Liberties Union in suing Myriad Genetics (a private biotechnology company based in Utah), that currently holds the patent on the two human genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are present in every human ... Testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can only be performed at Myriad labs and currently... (PR Newswire)

    ACMG Joins Lawsuit Challenging Patents on Breast Cancer Genes; Genes Are Naturally Occurring Substances and Should Not Be Patented, Says American College of Medical Genetics  May 13, 2009
    The lawsuit challenges patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are responsible for most cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers ... With breast cancer affecting an estimated one in eight women, ACMG has grave concerns over the human cost of patents on genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that are important in diagnosis, management, risk assessment and prevention ... Patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes create a monopoly giving only one laboratory the right to do testing. (PR Newswire)

    ACLU Challenges Patents on Breast Cancer Genes  May 13, 2009
    Mutations along the genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are responsible for most cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers ... The patents granted to Myriad give the company the exclusive right to perform diagnostic tests on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and to prevent any researcher from even looking at the genes without first getting permission from Myriad ... According to the lawsuit, such monopolistic control over these genes hampers clinical diagnosis and serves as a disincentive for research... (PR Newswire)

    Smoking - even second-hand - increases breast cancer risk  Apr 28, 2009
    Carriers of the so-called breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, more than double their already high risk of breast cancer if they smoke. Genetics play an important role in determining a woman's risk. (Globe and Mail)

    Specific Lung Cancer Susceptibility Gene Identified  Apr 17, 2009
    Understanding how the RGS17 gene impacts cancer development could change clinical diagnosis and treatment as radically as discovery of the breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) did, explains Anderson, who has led the multi-institutional Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium (GELCC) studying the genetic basis of lung cancer since 1997. A proven genetic test could help us identify people at risk before the disease progresses. (Science Daily)

    Cursed by her genes, Krystal changes her destiny  Mar 29, 2009
    Dr Kathy Tucker, head of the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at the Prince of Wales Hospital, said about 10 per cent of women carrying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene faults chose to have a risk-reducing mastectomy. However it was not the only option, with young women at high risk of breast cancer now being eligible for the Medicare rebate for MRI breast scans. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)

    Risk Factors Identified to Guide Preventive Mastectomy Decision  Mar 25, 2009
    The study did not focus on whether mutations in the genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 that raise the risk of breast cancer also raised the risk of having cancer later develop in the initially unaffected breast. Some women with these mutations or a strong family history of breast cancer get preventive mastectomies even before any tumor has developed in either breast. (MEDLINEplus)

    'Personalized' Genome Sequencing Reveals Coding Error In Gene For Inherited Pancreatic Cancer  Mar 13, 2009
    The coding error in PALB2, which stands for "partner and co-localizer of BRCA2" causes a shortened version of the protein encoded by this gene, rendering it incapable of working with another cancer-related gene, BRCA2, to repair broken DNA. Mutations in BRCA2 are also known to cause hereditary forms of cancer ... She estimates that three percent of people with hereditary pancreatic cancer have mutations in PALB2, making it the second most common gene mutation in these patients after BRCA2. (Science Daily)

    Women With Breast Cancer Gene Favor Preventive Mastectomy  Mar 11, 2009
    Several type of risk management strategies are available to women found to have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which is known to elevate a woman's risk of breast cancer. These range from simply having more frequent screening exams to the preemptive removal of a breast. (MEDLINEplus)

    Laughter helps, encouraged in the healing process  Mar 10, 2009
    One she is currently making herself aware of is the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. These are hereditary genes that cause breast cancer, which can be detected through genetic testing. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)

    Women with BRCA mutation, or worry, most likely to undergo prophylactic mastectomy  Mar 9, 2009
    For those with the BRCA1 mutation, their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 47-66 percent, with some estimates even higher; those with BRCA2 have a lifetime risk of 40-57 percent. Women are referred to genetic counseling because of a personal diagnosis of breast cancer at a very young age, or a strong family history of the breast and/or ovarian, explained Jennifer Litton, M.D., assistant professor in M. D. Anderson's Department of Breast Medical Oncology. (EurekAlert!)

    CRG buys Genomatix' Next Generation Sequencing analysis solution  Mar 5, 2009
    "We are pursuing research in two major areas. The first is the molecular mechanism of cancer. We are working to address the mechanism by which tumor suppressors such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 exerted their biological effects. Our second avenue of research entails the delineation of the mechanisms by which the genome is silenced through chromatin modification and small regulatory RNA. The laboratory's goal is to understand the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in mammalian development and genetic... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)

    At-Risk Screening Not Advised for Ovarian Cancer  Feb 25, 2009
    NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at increased risk for ovarian cancer, but new research indicates that annual screening exams are not worthwhile as they do not help detect the cancer at an early stage. BRCA1 and BRCA2 belong to a class of genes called tumor suppressors ... BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are also well known for their association with breast cancer. (MEDLINEplus)

    Genetic 'hotspot' for breast cancer risk  Feb 16, 2009
    Genetics plays an important role in the disease, and a handful of breast cancer susceptibility genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been identified. Mutations in these genes increase risk of inherited forms of breast cancers. (EurekAlert!)

    6 Things to Know About Pancreatic Cancer  Feb 10, 2009
    Those with a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, known for their role in breast and ovarian cancer (including ), are also at higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Researchers are also looking at other genes that may influence pancreatic cancer, as well as other, nonhereditary mutations. (Yahoo News -- Politics)

    Ovary Removal Lowers Odds of Cancer in High-Risk Women  Feb 7, 2009
    TUESDAY, Jan. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Removing the ovaries of women with a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes does substantially reduce their risk of getting both cancers, a new study confirms ... Women who have inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have elevated risks of both breast and ovarian cancer ... The lifetime risk of breast cancer ranges from 56 percent to 84 percent, according to the researchers, whereas the risk for ovarian cancer... (MEDLINEplus)

    Breast cancer genes raises prostate risks in men  Feb 7, 2009
    WASHINGTON - The so-called breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 can raise the risk that a man who develops prostate cancer will get an aggressive form of the disease, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday ... He said Ashkenazi Jewish men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer might want to consider getting tested for the mutations in BRCA2 and BRCA1 ... "Our large study shows conclusively that prostate cancer patients with either the BRCA2 gene mutation or the BRCA1-185delAG mutation are more... (MSNBC -- Health)

    Mammograms May Harm Young BRCA Mutation Carriers  Feb 7, 2009
    Mammographic screening is recommended to begin as early as 25 to 30 years of age in carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, which increase the risk of developing breast cancer ... "Estimates were similar for BRCA2 mutation carriers," they report. (MEDLINEplus)

    Gene Mutations Increase Risk For Aggressive Prostate Cancer  Feb 7, 2009
    The study, involving 979 men with prostate cancer and 1251 men without the disease, looked at whether participants carried mutations for either of two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 ... The study focused on them because they are five times likelier than people in the general population to carry a mutation of any kind in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes ... The researchers looked for the presence of three particular mutations two in BRCA1 and one in BRCA2. (Science Daily)

    Human DNA Repair Process Recorded In Action  Feb 7, 2009
    Because this protein is regulated by a gene linked to increased risk of breast cancer, BRCA2, it is also thought to play a role in suppression of that disease. With the ability to watch the assembly of individual filaments of Rad51 in real time, Kowalczykowski's team made a number of discoveries. (Science Daily)

    Family History Ups Breast Cancer Risk Even Without BRCA Gene  Feb 7, 2009
    Over a six-year period, the researchers followed up nearly 1,500 women from 365 families who had tested negative for the so-called breast cancer gene mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. The study shows that women with a strong family history but not the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are still very much more at risk than the average woman, said study author Kelly Metcalfe, an associate professor of nursing at the University of Toronto. (MEDLINEplus)


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