‘Game changer’ test predicts breast cancer risk

AN accurate test that can calculate a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer at any point in her life has been developed by scientists calling it a ‘game-changer’.

The breakthrough enables GPs to use an online tool to predict a woman’s risk, potentially decades in advance of symptoms. Experts at Cambridge University say the test, which combines a DNA cheek swab or blood test with a woman’s family history and basic health checks, is the ‘most comprehensive method’ yet developed to predict breast cancer risk.

The test uses more than 300 genetic indicators, along with weight, alcohol consumption and other medical information, such as age of menopause for older women. Although individually some of these aspects have a small impact on the likelihood of developing the disease, by combining them, and including family history and genetics, researchers identified women with higher risks of developing the disease.

The data was used to create an online calculator, which is currently being piloted. The scientists, funded by Cancer Research UK, believe the tool could help at-risk women adopt more healthy lifestyles to minimise the danger of cancer. Those at most risk could even be given tamoxifen — hormone drugs which cut the chances of developing breast cancer. And it could help stratify patients by risk, allowing some women, for example, to undergo more frequent mammogram screens. Study leader Professor Antonis Antoniou, whose findings are published in the Genetics In Medicine journal, said: ‘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 women with different levels of risk.