Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S.

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.

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