12 new breast cancer genes in African women identified

A study in Nature Genetics identified 12 genes linked to breast cancer in women of African ancestry, including 18,034 with breast cancer. Some mutations were newly discovered, showing differences in genetic risk factors between African and European women. Black women in the U.S. have higher breast cancer rates and death rates than white women. Six genes were linked to triple-negative breast cancer, with carriers having a 4.2 times higher risk. Further evaluation is needed for routine testing.