Breast Cancer Risk in Ataxia-Telangiectasia Families
Author Information
Author(s): Inskip H M, Kinlen L J, Taylor A M R, Woods C G, Arlett C F
Primary Institution: MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton
Hypothesis
Is there an increased risk of breast cancer among heterozygotes for ataxia-telangiectasia?
Conclusion
The study suggests a lower than previously thought increased risk of breast cancer among female heterozygotes for ataxia-telangiectasia.
Supporting Evidence
- Mortality from cancer was examined among parents and grandparents of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia.
- Three deaths from breast cancer among mothers resulted in a standardized mortality ratio of 3.37.
- There was no excess of breast cancer in grandmothers, with a standardized mortality ratio of 0.89.
- This is the largest study of families of ataxia-telangiectasia patients conducted in Britain.
Takeaway
This study looked at families of patients with a rare condition and found that mothers might have a higher chance of getting breast cancer, but it's not as high as once believed.
Methodology
Mortality from cancer was examined among parents and grandparents of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia.
Limitations
The study is small and confidence intervals are wide.
Participant Demographics
178 parents and 236 grandparents of 95 British patients with ataxia-telangiectasia.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.69–9.84 for mothers; 95% CI: 0.18–2.59 for grandmothers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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