Two common viruses might explain the high rates of breast cancer.

Associate Professor Ann Richardson and colleagues at Otago University's Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences have found a link between the virus, cytomegalovirus and the Epstein-Barr virus.

The research suggests women who are exposed in adulthood to these viruses may have a greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Dr. Grisanti's Comments

Although the study is still in an investigative mode, I would suggest that you ask your physician to order blood tests to determine if you are infected with either the cytomegalovirus and/or the Epstein-Barr virus.

References

Richardson AK, Cox B, McCredie MR, Dite GS, Chang JH, Gertig DM, Southey MC, Giles GG, Hopper JL. Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and risk of breast cancer before age 40 years: a case-control study. Br J Cancer. 2004 Jun 1;90(11):2149-52.

Yasui Y, Potter JD, Stanford JL, Rossing MA, Winget MD, Bronner M, Daling J.Breast cancer risk and "delayed" primary Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2001 Jan;10(1):9-16.