On univariate survival analysis, tumour size (P<0.0001), grade (P<0.01), lymph node involvement (P′⩽0.001), hormone receptor status (P<0.0001), albumin (P<0.01), loco-regional treatment (P<0.0001) and systemic treatment (P<0.0001) were significantly associated with cancer-specific survival. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is cancer.