low rate of breast cancer in Korea
and women's high genetic risk
Although Korean women have one of the lowest rates of breast cancer worldwide, they are diagnosed at an earlier age and have a surprisingly high incidence of a genetic mutation known to contribute to breast cancer, according to a Yale researcher.
In addition, though the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations is high, there is a low frequency of breast and ovarian cancers among family members, says lead author Dr. Bruce Haffty, professor of therapeutic radiology at the School of Medicine.
"Typically you see a lot of breast and ovarian cancers among families with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations," Haffty says. "The majority of breast cancer patients found to have BRCA1 or BRCA2 also reveal a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer in at least one first-degree relative."
Haffty analyzed a sample of 60 breast cancer patients 40 years old or younger who were treated at a hospital in Seoul, Korea. The average age at which breast cancer is diagnosed in women in the United States is 50 to 60; in Korea, the average age is 40 to 50.
Nine of the 60 patients had the genetic mutation in one of the two genes, and two patients had mutations in both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Only two of the patients had a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
"These data suggest that there may be different genetic and etiologic factors affecting transmission and penetrance of the BRCA genes in Korean patients with breast cancer who are diagnosed at a young age," Haffty says. "One possible environmental effect might be attributed to the Asian diet or caloric intake."
He plans to follow up with a larger study funded by the Susan Komen Foundation that will include an additional 50 women. The study also will include a large number of African-American women because the onset of breast cancer is younger for these women, too.
Co-authors include Allen Bale and Darryl Carter from Yale, and Doo Ho Choi and Min Hyuk Lee from Korea.
-- By Jacqueline Weaver
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
Grant to aid development of gene therapy for Parkinson's
Alumni elect new trustee
Historian Blight to direct Gilder-Lehrman Center
Student's 'Ride to Endure' will raise funds for cancer group
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPSAnne Alstott is designated the Bierman Professor
Jon Butler appointed the Howard R. Lamar Professor
Andrew Hamilton named the Silliman Professor
Library acquires papers of famed poet Joseph Brodsky
IN FOCUS: F&ES-Anthropology Combined Degree
Troup students creating own plays in Drama School program
SCIENCE & MEDICAL NEWSScientist wins grant for largest-ever field study on Lyme disease
Astronomers gather to share research about the sun
Grant to support Nobel laureate's RNA studies
Team captures image of RNA splicing complex
Report shows rising risk of metabolic syndrome . . .
Research shows ability to identify suspects is poor . . .
Study: Unusual protein may play role in asthma
Psychologists say attitudes are only as strong as you say they are
Researcher examining gap between low rate of breast cancer . . .
Marijuana ingredient linked to schizophrenia-like symptoms
Scientists use altered virus to 'light up' MCH neurons
Mathematician elected to oldest learned society in U.S.
Study: Mammals' olfactory system matures in different stages
Presentations from rice symposium now online
Committee reviewing employee health benefits . . .
Orchestral movement: Shinik Hahm leaving post . . .
Ranis and Hathaway to research international topics as Carnegie Scholars
I. Richard Savage dies; noted for applying statistics to public policys
Sundance Lab director named interim head of playwriting department
Campus Notes
ONLY ON THE WEB
Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News
Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines
Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases|
E-Mail Us|Yale Home