Researchers identify 80 genetic errors linked to cancer risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WITI) -- Researchers have found clues to understanding who is at the greatest risk for certain cancers -- in what they are calling "spelling mistakes" contained in a person's DNA.

The findings are considered a step toward personalized medicine, and give the scientific community a better ability to understand individual risk factors for breast, prostate and ovarian cancer.

A combination of five studies, including work from more than 150 research groups identified 80 genetic errors linked to increased risks for these hormone-related cancers.

Although more research is needed, the study authors predict genetic testing to help determine a person's risk for these cancers could be available within 10 years.

These findings appear in the journal "Nature Genetics."