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New breast cancer genes identified?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008
Question from Lisa: Are there any new breast cancer genes on the horizon in addition to BRCA1 and 2?
Answer —Lynn Hartmann, M.D.: There has been a lot of intense research to try to identify additional breast cancer susceptibility genes besides BRCA1 and 2, but to date we have not found any as important as these two. We are still learning that other genes may affect the function of BRCA1 and 2, and testing may become more refined within the next few years. Certain alterations in BRCA1 and 2 whose function is not currently understood may also be better defined in the next few years. Bottom line: many women today get a result [from testing] that is uninformative. There may be a slight change in the gene and we do not know if that's a significant mutation or not. So there are studies going on to determine whether those fairly common types of changes are really meaningful in predisposing women to cancer.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Risk Reduction. Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about a variety of topics such as screening with mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; breast biopsies; lifestyle changes that make a difference; and making hard decisions about prophylactic surgeries.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D.Lynn Hartmann, M.D. is a professor of oncology at the Mayo Clinic and associate director for education of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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