Fog Blog Breast Cancer Breakthrough Log

BREAKTHROUGHS OF 2017.......5 IN THE SERIES.......4 AND 5 THIS WEEKEND....HERE IS NO. 4........Aging and Breast Cancer Research

Increasing age is one of the factors associated with a higher risk of breast cancer along with being overweight after menopause, alcohol intake, and family history. The contributing biologic mechanisms that increase the risk are poorly understood. A new study by researchers at Dartmouth Norris Cotton Cancer Center provides insights on age-related changes that may predispose breast tissue cells to becoming cancerous. This research is unique in that it attempted to characterize molecular differences in healthy normal tissue associated with cancer risk factors.The study demonstrated age is the breast cancer risk factor most strongly associated with normal breast DNA methylation differences. Moreover, regions in the genome where age-related DNA methylation changes occurred were especially sensitive to cancer disruption. Researchers hope these findings provide a foundation for future studies evaluating modifiable risk factors or disease prevention interventions to help reduce age-related risk.