Researchers in the US may have discovered a more accurate way of calculating a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, providing a new approach to future treatment.

A study conducted by scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas found that the chemical process, methylation, in genes serves as a type of biological, molecular clock indicating precancerous changes in breast cells, thus determining individual cancer risk.

Commenting on the findings, Dr David Euhus, professor of surgical oncology, said: "The more a cell has divided, the greater the risk for cancer. Monitoring methylation levels could give researchers a way of seeing how often cells have divided and where a woman stands on that clock. Once the clock reaches a certain hour, breast cancer is more likely to ensue."

Adding to previous research, Dr Euhus also wanted to investigate whether methylation of the tumor-suppressor gene RASSF1A increased over time when the ovaries are active in producing estrogen and progesterone on a monthly basis.

The results indicated that methylation of RASSF1A and other genes increases steadily during the years of ovarian cycling, suggesting that methylation does in fact act as a molecular clock recording the history of cell divisions.

In response to these latest findings, Dr Euhus looks to the development of medications that interfere with methylation as a new approach to reducing breast cancer risk in patients.

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