What if...Breast cancer could be caused by a virus? HD

Presenter: Professor Ann Richardson, Wayne Francis Cancer Epidemiology Research Group, School of Health Sciences · What are the risk factors for breast cancer? · Could a virus cause breast cancer? · How are UC researchers investigating this? The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood. Although some important risk factors have been identified, many are not easily modifiable (which makes prevention difficult), and it is likely that some risk factors have not yet been identified. Several cancers are caused by viruses, and our previous research suggests that a virus, cytomegalovirus, may be important in human breast cancer. We have received funding to investigate this further and if this research supports a link between cytomegalovirus and breast cancer, it could lead to the worldwide prevention of a significant proportion of breast cancer.