A group of local researchers says a rise or fall in the number of chromosomes is related to the development of breast cancer.

The group led by Seoul National University Professor Lee Hyun-sook found that when breast cancer tumor suppressor genes mutate, the mutations change the number of chromosomes resulting in the creation of cancer.

The group confirmed that the breast cancer suppressor genes are also related to other cancers such as pancreatic and ovarian cancer.

The researchers plan to find out the relationship between cell division and formation of cancer as part of efforts to develop cancer treatments.

The group’s recent discovery was published in the leading life science journal, “Developmental Cell.”