In a study of more than 16,000 women, those with larger breasts
were found to be more likely to have genetic mutations that are
linked to breast cancer. The researchers have suggested the
correlation could be down to the sex hormone oestrogen that can
trigger the growth of mammary glands and tumours. The breast
size in question was the density, meaning the breast tissue that
is not fat. Researchers read the genetic code of the
participating women – all of European origin- and looked through
tiny mutations of their DNA. [Related article: How to get your
bra fitted properly] Their results showed seven genetic factors
significantly associated with breast size - three of which are
strongly correlated with mutations already linked to breast
cancer. Dr Eriksson of the California-based genetics firm
23andMe used data volunteered by the women themselves by means
of a questionnaire. Participants were asked to give their bra
size on a 10-point scale from smaller than AAA to larger than
DDD, the scientists then compared