Genetic Variations in Obesity Genes and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Heather Spencer Feigelson, Lauren R Teras, Diver W Ryan, Tang Weining, Patel Alpa V, Stevens Victoria L, Calle Eugenia E, Thun Michael J, Bouzyk Mark
Primary Institution: American Cancer Society
Hypothesis
Do genetic variations in obesity-related genes increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women?
Conclusion
The study found that certain genetic variations in the HSD11B1 and IRS2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, independent of body weight.
Supporting Evidence
- Two SNPs in HSD11B1 were associated with breast cancer risk.
- Three SNPs in IRS2 were also linked to breast cancer.
- The associations were independent of body weight.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether some genes related to obesity could make women more likely to get breast cancer. It found that two specific genes might be linked to a higher risk.
Methodology
A nested case-control study was conducted among postmenopausal women, genotyping 39 SNPs in 648 breast cancer cases and 659 controls.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported data and the matching process for cases and controls.
Limitations
The study's relatively small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study population was predominantly white postmenopausal women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0002
Confidence Interval
1.01–3.33
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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