
SEATTLE, WA. – March 30: Mary-Claire King poses for a portrait at University of Washington in Seattle, WA. United States, (photo by Steven Dewall)
Mary-Claire King was instrumental in the discovery that changed the way we think about cancer. In 1990, Dr. King and her team discovered the BRCA1 gene, which is responsible for a significant proportion of inherited breast and ovarian cancer cases. Mutations in the BRCA1 gene can increase a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer up to 80% and ovarian cancer up to 40%.
By identifying the BRCA1 gene and its role in cancer, Dr. King’s work has allowed for earlier and more accurate detection of these cancers in high-risk individuals. The BRCA1 gene discovery has paved the way for new research and treatment options and has had a profound impact on the lives of women and families affected by these diseases. Just as importantly, King’s research has given geneticists insight into the nature of cancer-caused genetic mutations in general.
The discovery of the BRCA1 gene is an important step towards personalized medicine, where medical treatments are tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup. By identifying genetic mutations that increase the risk of cancer, doctors can provide personalized screening and treatment recommendations based on an individual’s unique genetic profile.
During her visit in 2014, Dr. King challenged HudsonAlpha to offer community wide genetic cancer risk testing in North Alabama. As a result, HudsonAlpha’s Information is Power initiative was born. Now, Information is Power has helped empower over 6,000 individuals with information about their genetic health risks, so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Mary-Claire King is currently the American Cancer Society Professor of Genome Sciences and of Medical Genetics at the University of Washington in Seattle where she continues her life-long passion of doing research in breast and ovarian cancer genetics.