Women with a large bust may be more likely to develop breast cancer, according to scientists.
Health on Female First
23andMe made these finding, which make the first concrete genetic link between breast size and breast cancer risks, using data from its unique online research platform.
The study of 16,000 women found genetic mutations associated with breast size were also linked to the disease.
Researchers say some of these are involved in regulating the female sex hormone oestrogen, which can trigger teh growth of both breasts and tumours.
Dr Nicholas Eriksson of the California-based genetics firm 23andMe said it was the first substantial link between breast size and cancer, but added much more research was needed before it could be considered concrete.
He said: ‘Our results identify genetic variants that have an effect on both breast cancer and natural variation in breast size.
‘While the precise relationships between breast size, density, obesity and breast cancer remain difficult to untangle, understanding the biology . . . may aid in the development of novel screening tools.’
Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in Britain, with 50,000 new cases a year and one in eight women affected during their lifetime.
Tagged in Breast Cancer Health Women's Health