Breast cancer incidence highest in the range of one species of house mouse, Mus domesticus
2000

Breast cancer incidence linked to house mice

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Stewart T H M, Sage R D, Stewart A F R, Cameron D W

Primary Institution: University of Ottawa at Ottawa Hospital

Hypothesis

Can the incidence of human breast cancer be correlated with the natural ranges of different species of wild mice?

Conclusion

The study suggests that the highest incidence of human breast cancer occurs in areas where the house mouse, Mus domesticus, is present.

Supporting Evidence

  • Human breast cancer incidence varies geographically.
  • Immunosuppression reduces breast cancer incidence in both humans and mice.
  • DNA similar to mouse mammary tumour virus is found in human breast tumours.

Takeaway

This study thinks that people might get a type of breast cancer from house mice, which could help us prevent it.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1054/bjoc.1999.0941

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication