Researchers have a identified the location of a genetic risk fact for a special type of breast cancer. This type of breast cancer, known as estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, is a form of cancer that does not properly express the estrogen receptor and therefore it does not respond well to drug treatments. This type of cancer is especially prevalent in women of African descent. Studies have shown them to be more susceptive to progesterone receptor-negative and human epidermal growth factor-negative breast cancer, as well as estrogen receptor-negative strain. Researchers have linked this phenomenon to the presence of an allele near the TERT gene on chromosome 5, strongly correlating to an increased risk for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. This genetic variant then in turn shows a greater link to the other two receptor-negative cancers. This region of the human genome have been previously researched for links to other types of cancer as well, such as ovarian and lung cancer. While studies are still be conducted as to how this allele actually works, researchers believe that once it is completely understood, it will give insight into other types of cancer as well.
http://www.healthcanal.com/cancers/22740-Genetic-Basis-for-Aggressive-Breast-Cancer-Women-African-Ancestry-Identified.html (Article Link)
