Scientific Breakthrough: One Step Closer To Understanding Ovarian Cancer

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

How great would it be if scientists and doctors could identify what causes "the big C" and find a way to not only cure but prevent it.

Well, scientists may be one step closer and definitely on the right track.

Recently a group of researchers identified new genetic variants linked to ovarian cancer risk.

After studying and analyzing the DNA of over 10,000 women with the disease and 13,000 without, they were able to find five genetic variation in region of the genome (chromosomes 2, 3, 8, 17, and 19) associated with an increased ovarian cancer risk.

According to the experts, four out of five of these variants were prevalent in ladies whose condition was serious and who had the most common and aggressive form of the disease.

So, what does this all mean? Well, scientists believe that these most recent "revelations" can help (in the future) identify the women who are most at risk and screen them more regularly and more closely for early signs and early detection when the disease is most treatable.

In addition, experts note that the finding may mean the preventative measures could be a possibility for these women in the future.

Two other similar studies also showed that chromosome 19 has an impact on ovarian cancer risk and that variation in this same region on chromosome 19 also increases the risk of breast cancer in ladies who already test positive for a faulty BRCA1 gene on chromosome 17.

Previous studies have also shown that mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can significantly increase a woman's risk of both ovarian and breast cancer.

This study say experts was merely a more thorough affirmation of some facts and the next step in making progress in understanding ovarian cancer. Experts are enthusiastic about a time when they can draw an individualized profile of a woman's risk of ovarian cancer and respond with appropriate prevention and treatment options.

Long Island Health, Fitness & Beauty Articles > Scientific Breakthrough: One Step Closer To Understanding Ovarian Cancer