Breast and other cancers in 1445 blood relatives of 75 Nordic patients with ataxia telangiectasia

2005

Breast Cancer Risk in Blood Relatives of Ataxia Telangiectasia Patients

Sample size: 1445 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Olsen J H, Hahnemann J M D, Børresen-Dale A-L, Tretli S, Kleinerman R, Sankila R, Hammarström L, Robsahm T E, Kääriäinen H, Bregård A, Brøndum-Nielsen K, Yuen J, Tucker M

Primary Institution: Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society

Hypothesis

Carriers of ATM gene mutations are predisposed to breast cancer.

Conclusion

The increased risk for female breast cancer in Nordic AT families is mainly seen in women under 55 years, particularly mothers of probands.

Supporting Evidence

225 cancers were observed among 1445 blood relatives, with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.3.
34 cases of breast cancer were observed, with a SIR of 1.7.
21 breast cancer cases were diagnosed before age 55, with a SIR of 2.9.
The risk for breast cancer was significantly elevated in mothers of probands, with a SIR of 6.7.
Overall, the study indicated a 2.9-fold increase in breast cancer risk associated with ATM heterozygosity.

Takeaway

This study looked at families with a rare disease and found that women related to these patients have a higher chance of getting breast cancer, especially if they are mothers.