Gene test that could predict breast cancer years before it strikes

A genetic test could help predict breast cancer many years before it develops, scientists claim.
Their study shows the risk can double in women whose genes have been changed by exposure to environmental factors such as hormones, radiation, alcohol, smoking and pollution.

The findings could lead to a blood test that will identify those most at risk of breast cancer and other forms of the disease, the researchers say.

Breakthrough? The findings of a new study suggest that women whose genes have been altered by environmental factors carry double the risk of developing breast cancer

In the study, blood samples were taken from 1,380 women of various ages who had not developed breast cancer.

The researchers investigated whether the alteration of a single gene by a process called methylation can predict whether women are at more risk of breast cancer.

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