Mutations in ATM, Radiation Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk Among Black and White Women

Predisposition to breast cancer is inherited as a genetic trait in some families. Thus far, a few highly penetrant genes responsible for inherited breast cancer have been identified. An important and unresolved question of breast cancer etiology is whether there are other genes which have a more moderate effect on breast cancer risk, possibly involving more women than do other inherited mutations. It has been suggested that mutations in the Ataxia-Telangiectasia gene ATM and radiation exposure could be involved with breast cancer in this manner. In order to address this question, we are screening a series of breast cancer patients for mutations in the ATM gene. This series of patients was selected for radiation exposure, radiation sensitivity, inheritance of a single ATM allele through multiple affected relatives, andor having a child with AT. This study will detect potential mutations in the ATM gene which may confer breast cancer risk, particularly any which may lead to radiation sensitivity.