The human gene sequences encoding the translation-associated functions of alpha-subunit of elongation factor 1 (EF-1 alpha) and the ubiquitin carboxyl extension protein (HUBCEP80) have been isolated by differential cDNA screening, and found to have significantly higher levels of expression in fibroadenomas (benign) compared with carcinomas (malignant) of the breast. The gene discussed is ELOF1; the disease is carcinoma.