Young women who carry breast cancer genes are highly vulnerable to x-rays, researchers warned today.
A study finds their risk of cancer increases if they undergo x-rays before the age of 30.
British experts said the risk was avoided in the UK by using MRI scans rather than mammograms on younger patients.
The research, published in the British Medical Journal, shows a 43 per cent risk of developing breast cancer when women carrying faulty BRCA genes underwent chest x-rays before the age of 30.
Researchers studied nearly 2,000 women in the UK, the Netherlands and France over a four year period. All the women were known to carry the breast cancer genes.
Researcher Professor Douglas Easton, of Cambridge University, UK, said: “BRCA genes help repair DNA damage – damage which can be caused by exposure to radiation like X-rays.
"Women with faults in these genes are less able to repair damage caused by radiation, so they are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. It’s important that these women and their doctors are aware of this.”
Dr Julie Sharp, of Cancer Research UK, added: "This research highlights that young women with a faulty BRCA gene are potentially more sensitive to low doses of radiation and doctors need to be aware of these risks when considering procedures using X-rays.
"In the UK younger women are already screened using MRI scans rather than mammograms to avoid these risks – but this isn’t the case in all countries yet."
Exposure to diagnostic radiation and risk of breast cancer among carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations: retrospective cohort study. van Leeuwen, FE et al (GENE-RAD-RISK) British Medical Journal September 7 2012
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