Study of breast cancer in Native American women reveals key genetic differences
Notre Dame researchers discover unique molecular traits that may explain disproportionately high mortality rates and highlight the need for more diverse medical data
Distinct genetic mutations may help breast cancer tumors hide from the immune defenses of Native American women’s bodies, researchers found in a new University of Notre Dame study.
According to reporting by Medical Xpress, the research is the first detailed molecular analysis of breast cancer in this population. While Native American women have lower breast cancer incidence rates than white women, their mortality rates remain disproportionately high.
Researchers compared 17 tumor samples from Native American women with nearly 700 from white women, discovering significant differences in immune-related genes. The findings indicate to researchers that more research is needed. Jun Li, one of the study’s authors, was quoted as saying that the study is meant "to generate hypotheses, not change treatment guidelines."
- 1.Brandi Wampler. First comprehensive look at breast cancer in Native American women reveals key genetic differences. Medical XPress, .
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