deCODE scientists discover another set of common genetic variants linked to risk of breast cancer
Scientists from deCODE genetics today report the discovery of two common single-letter variants (SNPs) associated with risk of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. More than 60% of the general population carry at least one copy of the risk variant of the most important SNP, and women who have inherited the variant from both parents are at approximately 50% greater risk of developing ER+ breast cancer than women who have not inherited the variant. The second variant is located near the first and occurs only in tandem with it, adding slight risk of the disease. Although these variants confer modest risk, they are so common that they are estimated to account for approximately 11% of breast cancers overall.
With this latest discovery, the genetic factors underpinning a very significant proportion of inherited risk of ER+ breast cancer have now been elucidated. Common variants previously discovered by deCODE are together involved in an estimated 25% of ER+ breast cancers.
deCODE made today’s discovery through the analysis of genotypic data from a total of nearly 40,000 patients and control subjects from five countries. deCODE gratefully acknowledges the participation of the patients and researchers who took part in this study.
