Latest news with #SydneyBrennerInstituteforMolecularBioscience
TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Groundbreaking study finds new genes in black women causing breast cancer
Black South African women have been found to have two new genes that make them susceptible to breast cancer. Research done by the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) at the Witwatersrand University found genetic factors that contribute to about 30% of breast cancer (BC) cases in South Africa. 'These genes have not been associated with the disease before, which is an important advance in understanding breast cancer risk and biology in women of African ancestry,' said Dr Mahtaab Hayat, a lead author of the study. The two new genetic variants were identified in black South African women with breast cancer enrolled in the Johannesburg Cancer Study, compared to women without cancer in the Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Research (AWI-Gen) study. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in South Africa and the most common cancer in women globally, with genetic factors contributing to about 30% of cases. 'Our study makes a compelling case for investing in genomic research rooted in African contexts,' said Hayat. All participants were from the Soweto region, with 2,485 population cases and 1,101 control cases. The South African BC cases and controls were well-matched and clustered, while the non-South African samples and West African populations were distinct from South African populations. The Genome-Wide Association study (Gwas), which is the first to focus on black women on the continent, was published in the journal Nature Communications. It brings to the fore the importance of deepening knowledge about the genetic basis of the disease. In the past, most breast cancer genetics research has focused on European and Asian populations, with studies of African ancestry limited primarily to African-American women, who largely descend from West African populations. A tool that estimates lifetime cancer risk based on DNA, the polygenic risk score (PRS), performed poorly in distinguishing South African women with breast cancer from those without. Dr Jean-Tristan Brandenburg, also in the SBIMB and a lead author, said this was a result of the mechanism not being tailored for the black population. 'This is because most PRSs were developed in European populations, and their inaccuracy in African populations highlights the urgent need for ancestry-specific tools in cancer risk prediction,' Brandenburg said. African populations have more genetic variation than any other population in the world, but they have been significantly underrepresented in genomic research. This means that the global understanding of disease risk and the tools and treatment developed from it are limited. 'The study reveals that more people can benefit from genetic discoveries. It proves that new risk factors are still out there, waiting to be found,' says Hayat.
News18
08-05-2025
- Health
- News18
HIV Cases Rising Among 50+ Age Group, Says Alarming Lancet Report
Last Updated: The report warns that HIV spreads via shared needles, unsafe injections and improper transfusions, posing a risk not just to youth but to people of all ages A recent report published in The Lancet has raised alarms among health experts, highlighting a sharp rise in HIV cases among people aged 50 and above. While HIV is commonly linked to sexual transmission and often perceived as a disease affecting younger individuals, the report stresses that the virus can spread through multiple routes, including shared needles, unsafe injections, and improper blood transfusions, making it a risk for people of all ages. The study, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, reveals that HIV prevalence among older adults now surpasses that of younger individuals. Dr. Louiser Olubayo of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience notes that most awareness campaigns focus primarily on youth, leaving the older population overlooked. This age group often assumes they're not at risk, a misconception deeply rooted in societal attitudes. Preventing HIV among the elderly requires a proactive approach. First, it's vital to recognise that HIV is entirely treatable, and early diagnosis greatly improves outcomes. However, older individuals are less likely to get tested, often resulting in delayed detection and limited access to timely treatment. Experts recommend annual HIV testing, which is both affordable and widely available, typically costing less than Rs 100. Raising awareness among the elderly is crucial, and government-led campaigns are needed to promote regular HIV testing in this age group. Encouraging safe sex practices and ensuring hygienic injection methods are also key to prevention. Seniors should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like excessive sweating, tongue blisters, persistent fever, fatigue, weakness, sudden weight loss, or unexplained skin rashes. First Published: May 08, 2025, 17:41 IST
