deCODE Genetics, Inc. (DCGN) Uncovers Common Variants Linked to Breast Cancer
deCODE scientists have reported the discovery of two common single-letter variants (SNPs) that are associated with an elevated risk of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. The first variant of the most importance, SNP (known in the genetic community as 'rs4415084'), is carried by more than 60% of women and can increase risk of developing ER+ breast cancer by 50 percent when inherited from both parents. The second variant can only occur in conjunction with the first, but further adds to a person's susceptibility. These inherited alterations to human DNA are so common that researchers have postulated they are responsible for…