FGFR2 rs7895676: Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Associations
The rs7895676 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism located within the FGFR2 gene. It is recognized in genetic research as part of a haplotype associated with a modest increase in the risk of developing certain types of breast cancer.
What each genotype means
Baseline breast cancer risk
This genotype is considered the baseline or normal state for this specific genetic marker. Research indicates that individuals with this profile do not carry the specific risk-associated alleles linked to increased breast cancer susceptibility at this locus.
This is the most common genotype for this variant in many populations, though frequencies vary significantly by ancestry.
Slightly increased cancer risk
Carrying one copy of the risk-associated allele is statistically linked to a modest, approximately 1.20-fold increase in the risk of developing certain types of breast cancer. This association is part of a broader genetic profile and should be discussed with a healthcare provider in the context of your overall family and medical history.
This heterozygous genotype is frequently observed in populations where the T allele is present.
Elevated breast cancer risk
Carrying two copies of the risk-associated allele is statistically linked to an approximately 1.64-fold increase in the risk of developing certain types of breast cancer. This variant is located in an intronic region of the FGFR2 gene and is thought to influence cancer susceptibility, though it is not a diagnostic tool on its own.
This genotype is less common than the heterozygous state but is present in a significant portion of the population.
What is rs7895676?
The rs7895676 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated in the second intron of the FGFR2 gene on chromosome 10. In genetics, an intron is a non-coding region of a gene that is transcribed into RNA but removed before the final protein is produced. While intronic variants do not change the amino acid sequence of a protein directly, they can influence how genes are regulated or expressed. Research indicates that rs7895676 is often inherited as part of a larger block of genetic material known as a haplotype. This means that the variant is frequently found alongside other nearby genetic markers, making it difficult to determine if rs7895676 itself is the functional cause of the observed associations or if it is simply a marker for a nearby, more influential genetic change.
The Role of the FGFR2 Gene
The FGFR2 gene encodes the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 protein. This receptor plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cell growth, tissue repair, embryonic development, and the formation of blood vessels. Because it is involved in signaling pathways that control cell division and survival, the gene is a subject of intense study in oncology. When FGFR2 signaling is dysregulated, it can contribute to the uncontrolled cell proliferation characteristic of cancer. While the gene is essential for normal development, variations in its regulatory regions—such as the intronic area where rs7895676 resides—may subtly alter the expression levels of the receptor, potentially influencing the susceptibility of breast tissue to malignant transformation over a person's lifetime.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between FGFR2 variants and breast cancer risk has been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies compare the genomes of individuals with breast cancer to those without to identify common genetic patterns. Evidence for rs7895676 is considered moderate, as it is part of a well-documented cluster of SNPs in the FGFR2 gene linked to sporadic, postmenopausal, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. It is important to note that the increased risk associated with these variants is generally described as modest. Furthermore, much of the foundational research on this specific haplotype has been conducted in populations of European descent. The strength of these associations can vary significantly across different ancestral backgrounds, and the clinical utility of this information for individual risk prediction remains a subject of ongoing scientific investigation.
Population Frequency
The rs7895676 variant is relatively common in the general population, with a Global Minor Allele Frequency (GMAF) reported at approximately 0.376. This frequency indicates that the variant is widely distributed across many human populations. Because it is a common variant, it is not considered a rare mutation that causes disease on its own. Instead, it is one of many common genetic factors that, when combined with other genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, may influence an individual's overall risk profile. The prevalence of the specific genotypes (C;C, C;T, and T;T) will vary depending on the specific ancestral background of a population, reflecting the natural diversity of the human genome.
Interpreting Your Genetic Information
Understanding your genetic variants can be informative, but it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective. The presence of a risk-associated genotype does not mean an individual will develop breast cancer, nor does the absence of such a variant guarantee protection. Breast cancer is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by a wide array of genetic markers, family history, and environmental exposures. Genetic information should never be used to self-diagnose or make medical decisions. If you are concerned about your personal or family history of cancer, the most appropriate step is to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified genetic counselor. They can provide context based on your full clinical picture and help you understand the relevance of any genetic testing results you may have received.
How common is this variant?
The rs7895676 variant is common, with a Global Minor Allele Frequency of 0.376. Its distribution is widespread across diverse ancestral populations.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the T allele mean I will get breast cancer?
No. This variant is associated with a modest change in statistical risk, not a direct cause of cancer. Most people with this variant will never develop breast cancer.
Should I get tested for rs7895676?
Routine testing for this specific SNP is not currently recommended for clinical breast cancer screening. Decisions regarding genetic testing should be made in consultation with a doctor or genetic counselor.
Is this variant the same as a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation?
No. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are rare, high-penetrance variants that significantly increase cancer risk. rs7895676 is a common variant with a much smaller, more subtle effect on risk.
Can I change my risk if I have this variant?
While you cannot change your genetics, you can manage your overall health through regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and discussing your family history with a physician.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/20/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Intronic variant in FGFR2 associated with increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
This SNP is associated with an increased susceptibility to breast cancer.
This variant is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in various populations.
One of the strongest common genetic risk factors for breast cancer.
This intronic variant in the FGFR2 gene has been associated with susceptibility to BRCA2-related breast cancer.
This variant is strongly correlated with prostate cancer aggressiveness and serum PSA levels.