Introduction Geneticists have been working to locate genes that may play a role in causing breast cancer. The 1994 discovery of the BRCA1 gene mutation for breast cancer made headlines around the world. Studies seeking to discover other relationships between genetic mutations and breast cancer are under way. One out of eight women is expected to develop breast cancer by the age of 80.
Men can develop breast cancer, too.
In 1996 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 184,300 new cases of breast cancer. Interestingly, the second-largest funding source for this research is the Department of Defense. The U.S. government is increasing its support of breast cancer research. President Clinton launched a National Action Plan on Breast Cancer which is a public, private and voluntary effort to find new ways to prevent, treat and cure breast cancer. Support for genetic research related to breast cancer is included in the plan.