Mary-Claire King discusses her Nobel Prize nomination and legacy
Geneticist Mary-Claire King spoke with STAT about her work on hereditary cancer risks and her experience as a finalist for the Nobel Prize in medicine.
Heritage of breast cancer research
King identified mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that increase cancer risk. Her findings showed that breast and ovarian cancer could be hereditary conditions.
Impact on patient care
Women who test positive for these mutations can undergo preventive surgeries to reduce mortality. Many patients have chosen mastectomies or removal of ovaries based on this knowledge.
Current status and recognition
King is now 80 years old and works at the University of Washington. Her name frequently appears on lists predicting Nobel Prize winners in medicine.
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