Jan. 30, 2001--
An important genetic discovery makes headlines today.
As we first reported in October, scientists at the University of Utah and Myriad Genetics in Salt Lake tracked down a gene that makes some families prone to developing prostate cancer.
In the general population, the gene appears to roughly double the risk of the disease. Researchers say the gene overall may play a role in up to five percent of cases.
Researchers now hope to combine this gene with others in a test to identify high-risk men.
But researchers don't know how the gene works, and note that most cases seem not to arise from genetics.
Most cases appear to come from a genetic vulnerability plus some largely unknown environmental factors.
One expert called the new finding a breakthrough but cautioned it will take more work to see how big a role the gene plays in the disease.
The study is published in the February issue of the journal Nature Genetics.
Facts About Prostate Cancer
- Expected new cases this year: 198,100
- Expected deaths this year: 31,500
- Second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S.
- More Info
