Breakthrough in Pre-empting Breast Cancer
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The major scientific story hitting the headlines today is the findings that genetic tests signalling epigenetic changes could in fact give a strong warning signal prior to the onset of breast cancer. The findings, spearheaded by Dr James Flanagan and Imperial College London, are published in the journal Cancer Research.
Increased methylation of the gene in question, the ATM gene, was observed to double the risk of developing breast cancer in women of all ages, with the tests being taken between 3 and 11 years prior to the individual being diagnosed with breast cancer.
This is exciting news, giving real hope that the likelihood of cancer occurring can be spotted and tracked many years before the age of high risk, by performing a simple blood test prior to diagnosis.
The possibilities that come with this revelation are profound, with the possibility of avoiding the disease altogether, as well as increased screening and earlier diagnosis for those with increased chances of getting the cancer.
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_1-5-2012-11-17-53
