British scientists today unveiled two new genetic variants linked to a common form of breast cancer.
The variants both control a gene called KLF4, the researchers report.
Researchers said the findings could help improve the effectiveness of genetic screening for breast cancer.
The genes are linked to oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer, which is linked to female hormones.
The study found that women with one variant, rs10816625, was linked to a 14% increase in risk for cancer – and the second, rs13294895, to an 11% increase.
Scientists from more than 130 institutions studied DNA from 86,000 women of European ancestry, 12,000 of Asian ancestry and 2,000 of African ancestry. About half the women had developed breast cancer.
The findings have been reported in Human Molecular Genetics.
Researcher Dr Nick Orr, of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: "Our study zoomed in on an area of our genome that we knew was linked to breast cancer risk, and has identified two new genetic variants that add significantly to our knowledge about the genetic causes of the disease.
"The variants we identified are specifically associated with the most common, oestrogen receptor positive, form of breast cancer. The more genetic risk factors for breast cancer we discover, of which there are currently more than 80, the more accurately we will be able predict who is at risk of getting the disease.
"Ultimately this will be vital for designing preventative strategies against breast cancer."
Human Molecular Genetics 5 February 2014
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