Greek scientist Dr. Antonis Antoniou has led a team of researchers who have developed a potentially “game-changing” test to predict a woman’s risk of breast cancer, greekcitytimes.com reports.
The new study combines information on family history and hundreds of genetic markers with other factors, such as weight, to give the most comprehensive assessment possible, notes Cancer Research UK.Some GPs and specialists are trialling the prediction tool as part of a plan to spot cancers earlier through tailored screening.
Women at high risk could be given preventative treatments or offered more checks, note the researchers.Professor Antonis Antoniou, the lead researcher at the University of Cambridge, pointed out, “This is the first time that anyone has combined so many elements into one breast cancer prediction tool.
It could be a game changer for breast cancer because now we can identify large numbers of women with different levels of risk, not just women who are at high risk.”Dr Antoniou added this should help doctors to tailor the care they provide depending on their patients’ level of risk.
“For example, some women may need additional appointments with their doctor to discuss screening or prevention options and others may just need advice on their lifestyle and diet.
“We hope this means more people can be diagnosed early and survive their disease for longer but more research and trials are needed before we will fully understand how this could be used.”Information on the test, which also assesses ovarian cancer risk, can be found in the journal Genetics in Medicine..
