S Narod — Page 4 | PubMed Health

PubMedDate not supplied

Breast cancer and organochlorines: a marker for susceptibility?

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing and despite extensive research efforts, the etiology of this disease is largely unknown. Most women exhibit no known risk factors except for their age and sex. It has recently been postulated that the increased breast cancer incidence might be attributed to exposure to environmental carcinogens such as the organochlorine compounds. In this article, the scientific literature with respect to this possibility is reviewed and alternative hypotheses, which may in part explain the possible role of organochlorine compounds in the etiology of breast cancer, are presented.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A unique BRCA1 mutation identified in Mongolia.

This is a case report of genetic assessment conducted on a family residing in the third world where two sisters have presented with early onset ovarian cancer. Protein truncation testing and DNA sequencing identified a unique mutation on exon 11 (3452delA) of the BRCA1 gene. Buccal swab testing of three siblings and three offspring showed that half of the family members carried the same mutation. Currently, genetic testing in third-world countries is conducted within research budgets, as testing is not affordable or locally available for such high-risk families. Unique mutations in the BRCA1 gene that are expressed in geographically isolated groups will be useful in genetic counseling and preventative maneuvers. The only preventive management strategy available in the third world is prophylactic surgery.

Adenocarcinoma↗