A research published today shows that having damaged gene called “ATM” doubles the risk of developing breast cancer among women by the time they reach the age of 70. Furthermore, those who belong to a family with several cases of breast cancer face greater risk of having this deadly disease. They are urged to undergo regular screening and to consider mastectomy in the future to prevent breast cancer. The researchers noted that about .5% to 1% of the women population have this “genetic fault.”

In the US alone, over 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to The National Cancer Institute report. This study would be very helpful in preventing the stats from rising as it sheds light to the gray areas of this much dreaded disease. I believe that information is the best defense women can have against any disease, including breast cancer and this is what this study provides us, especially that only a little is known about the link between other damaged genes (other than BRAC genes) and breast cancer.

By guest writer Khristine