Study: Some Breast Cancers May Be Caused by a Virus

Some breast cancers may be caused by a virus, raising the prospect of a vaccine against breast cancer, according to Australian researchers.

Researchers from Sydney's University of New South Wales and Prince of Wales Hospital said the HHMMTV virus -- or Human Homologue of Mouse Mammary Tumour Virus -- was found in more than 40 percent of breast cancer samples, but was found in only two percent of healthy breast samples taken from cosmetic surgery.

The mouse version of the virus accounts for more than 95 per cent of breast cancers in mice.

"Many people believe that breast cancer is purely a hereditary disease, yet hereditary breast cancer is estimated to account for only five percent of all cases of breast cancer," said researcher Caroline Ford.

"In other words, we have little idea what causes 19 out of 20 cases. Our preliminary research indicates that a virus may be involved," Ford said.

"This new research supports the link between this virus and breast cancer in Australia," she told a scientific forum in Melbourne. "If it can be shown that this virus causes cancer, the possibility of a preventative vaccine for breast cancer would be of enormous consequence."

Other Sources: Australian Media