Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England have narrowed down the search for the genes that that could provide a basis for new treatments for the disease, according to a Reuters Health Report.

"By using the latest in DNA technology we've been able to pinpoint four new genes likely to be involved in the development of breast cancer," said Professor Carlos Caldas, who headed the research team.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. More than a million new cases occur each year, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France.

Caldas, who reported his findings in the journal Oncogene, said scientists have been trying to pinpoint the new genes for two decades.