Test To Predict Breast Cancer Risk Developed

According to the World Health organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Of all forms of cancer, breast cancer is the major one accounting to 5,71,000 deaths every year.

As it is well said that prevention is better than cure, and this holds true in case of cancer as well. Working towards the preventive aspect, scientists have developed a new gene test that can accurately predict the risk of developing breast cancer.

According to the researchers the new test, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) test will help predict the risk quickly and this in turn will reduce the number of women having surgery to remove their breasts.

The test has been developed by researchers, including those from the University of Manchester in the UK.

As per the research, the test looks at 18 genetic variants, in the blood or saliva, that are known to affect the chances of getting breast cancer.

The test will initially be available for patients having BRCA1 and 2 gene mutations, with a family history of breast cancer.

"Women with a BRCA mutation have a risk of breast cancer somewhere between 30 per cent and 90 per cent" said, Gareth Evans, professor at Manchester University.

During the study, researchers had taken into consideration 60,000 women. Within two years the researchers hope to have improved the gene test to include up to 300 genetic variants that are known to affect the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

(With Agency Inputs)