Ovarian and Breast Cancer

Genetic pre-dispositions link these two devastating diseases - both related to mutations in the BRCA genes. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after skin cancer. Breast cancer is increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous disease that exhibits substantial differences in biological behavior and requires distinct therapeutic interventions.

It is believed that susceptibility to both breast and ovarian cancer have genetic contributions such as the BRCA genes. Ashkenazi Jewish women are at five times greater risk of BRCA gene mutations than the general population, which makes understanding these diseases of critical importance in Israel. TAU and its affiliated medical centers encompass one of the largest research teams in Israel with over 15 different research teams. Their mutual aim is to link clinical data with basic research to reduce the brutal statistic of 1 of 8.