Genetic Variants and Male Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Orr Nick, Cooke Rosie, Jones Michael, Fletcher Olivia, Dudbridge Frank, Chilcott-Burns Sarah, Tomczyk Katarzyna, Broderick Peter, Houlston Richard, Ashworth Alan, Swerdlow Anthony
Primary Institution: The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Do common genetic variants associated with female breast cancer also influence the risk of male breast cancer?
Conclusion
Certain genetic variants associated with female breast cancer risk are also linked to an increased risk of male breast cancer, but their effects differ between genders.
Supporting Evidence
- Five SNPs showed a statistically significant association with male breast cancer.
- The majority of cases were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
- The study included the largest single series of male breast cancer cases to date.
Takeaway
This study found that some genes that increase the risk of breast cancer in women also increase the risk in men, but they work differently for each gender.
Methodology
A case-control study genotyping 12 SNPs in 433 male breast cancer cases and 1569 controls.
Limitations
The study lacked power to detect modest relative risks for all but the most common variants.
Participant Demographics
Male breast cancer cases aged 18-79, median age at diagnosis 65.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
7.98×10−4
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.26–1.75
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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