Five discoveries that could save lives

THE MOST DANGEROUS GENES:

BRCA1 – Led Angelina Jolie to have a double mastectomy because of her risk of breast cancer. Affects one in 800 women, up to 70 per cent increased risk.

BRCA2 – Mutations prevent DNA from repairing itself properly, leading to breast cancer. Affects one in 500 women, up to 70 per cent increased risk.

PALB2 – Works similarly to the BRCA genes. Affects one in 1,000 women. Around 40 per cent increased risk.

THE NEWEST REVELATIONS:

KLHDC7A –Discovered for the first time, with more research needed on how it causes breast cancer. Affects three-quarters of women. Around per cent increased risk.

MCM8 – Associated with early menopause. Affects one in nine women, with around 10 per cent increased risk.