Researchers look at breast cancer-virus link

A common virus might explain the high rates of breast cancer in developed countries, a Christchurch researcher says.

Associate Professor Ann Richardson and colleagues at Otago University's Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences have received a $30,000 grant from the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation to delve into a possible link between breast cancer and two viruses that strike most New Zealanders after childhood. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and epstein-barr virus (EBV) generally produce no symptoms but occasionally cause glandular fever.

In Japan, which has low levels of breast cancer, children are exposed to viruses early in life, Professor Richardson said. "Maybe it matters when you are exposed."

- NZPA