Mystery over hormone cancer link

Monday May 17th, 2010

British researchers have found a new hormone link to breast cancer, it was announced today.

High levels of the hormone, which is not linked to gender, increase a woman's risk of developing the disease by about 28 per cent, according to a new analysis.

The latest study confirms fears that the hormone, called insulin-like growth factor-1 - or IGF-1 - is linked to cancer.

Scientists say they do not yet understand the role of the hormone or why some women have high levels. However it is known to play a key role in childhood growth.

Researchers analysed some 17 pieces of research involving nearly 5,000 women to reach their conclusion. They found that 20 per cent of women with the highest levels of the hormone face an increased risk of cancer compared with the 20 per cent with the lowest levels.

Researcher Professor Tim Key, of Oxford University, UK, said: "Putting together all the information available worldwide gives us conclusive evidence that the higher a woman's blood levels of IGF-I, the higher her risk of breast cancer.

"We don't yet fully understand what affects blood levels of this growth factor, but it's possible that diet plays an important role. We've already got research under way looking into this."

Dr Lesley Walker, of Cancer Research UK, explained: "This hormone has received a lot of attention, not just for its role in breast cancer, but also in prostate cancer.

"Although we'll have to wait and see if particular changes to a woman's diet can affect her levels of this hormone, this study has revealed some very interesting information that adds to our knowledge about the disease."

Lancet Oncology May 17 2010

Tags: Cancer | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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