This project aims to discover new markers of breast cancer through an international effort focused on low-penetrance alleles that, in combination, have a high probability of explaining a large proportion of breast cancer risk. We will discover important genetic factors that underlie breast cancer susceptibility in a large multi-ethnic Canadian population of consenting women; and, determine the magnitude of the effects of genetic variants on breast cancer risk by combining our data with that from 26 other countries in the largest international consortium on breast cancer. Outcomes beyond biomarker discovery include improved breast cancer risk assessment and profiling models enhancing the benefits of screening, empowerment of women, and increased knowledge for better clinical practice and treatments, benefiting all Canadians.
Co-investigator, BC, Canada: Dr. John Spinelli