Breast cancer patients diagnosed 8 years earlier than previous generation

In a study undertaken by scientists at the University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, the team found that women with a deleterious gene mutation that caused their breast cancer developed and were diagnosed with the disease almost eight years younger than their mothers and aunts had been.

Women with BRCA1 or 2 have a 60 per cent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, compared to a 12 per cent risk for women in the general population.

In the retrospective study, 132 women with BRCA were identified, with 106 found to have a female family member in the previous generation who also had a BRCA-related cancer, either breast or ovarian.

The scientists found that the median age of the younger women at diagnosis was 42, compared to 48 in the older generation, which equates to 7.9 years when using new mathematical models to evaluate for anticipation.

"These findings are certainly concerning and could have implications on the screening and genetic counselling of these women," said Dr Jennifer Litton, assistant professor in MD Anderson's Department of Breast Medical Oncology.

She added that changes in lifestyle and environmental factors may play a part in the younger age.