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New hope: The breast cancer risk test could be available within three to four years
It will look at their genes, breast tissue, weight and lifestyle to calculate the chances of them developing the illness over the course of their lives.
The test, being developed by academics at the University of Cambridge, would be offered to women in their 40s.
First, they would undergo a blood test – or provide a saliva sample – at their GP surgery or breast screening clinic so their DNA could be sent away for analysis. They would also have their weight and height measured, and an X-ray taken of their breasts.
They would also fill in a detailed questionnaire about their past and current lifestyle habits, which would affect their risk.
Within a fortnight, women would be told the percentage chance of them developing breast cancer over time – for example, the risk within the next five years compared with the risk over the next 20 years.
Those found to be at highest risk will be offered preventative drugs such as Tamoxifen, or even surgery to remove their breasts.
Women calculated to have a very low chance of getting the illness would need to go for screening only every ten years, sparing them discomfort and anxiety and saving the NHS money.
Around 50,000 women develop breast cancer in Britain each year. The illness claims around 11,500 lives annually, making it one of the biggest killers after heart disease and lung cancer.
Researchers hope that identifying the women at highest risk will enable more lives to be saved through preventative treatment and more regular checks.
Professor Doug Easton unveiled the test at the National Cancer Research Institute conference in Liverpool.
He said: ‘We do have preventative options but they aren’t offered in a very effective way. [The test] will be cheap and in the long run it will save money.’
At present all women aged between 50 and 70 are offered mammograms every two to three years as part of the NHS breast screening program.
Risky business: The £100 test would see women leave a DNA test as well as a scan, measurements and answer questions about their lifestyle
While earlier detection of the illness saves lives, there are concerns that it also means some women undergo gruelling treatment for tumours that would never have caused harm.
Last year a Department of Health report concluded that 4,000 women a year have chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery to remove their breasts needlessly.
Professor Easton, whose research is being funded by Cancer Research UK, said the new test would mean fewer women would require screening and potentially end up having unnecessary treatment.
AND HERE IS HOW IT WILL WORK...
First, women taking the test would provide a DNA sample, either through a blood test or saliva specimen, to allow analysis of the thousands of genes which affect breast cancer risk.
They would undergo an X-ray of their breasts to assess their density. Women with denser breasts have a higher risk of cancer.
Their Body Mass Index would be calculated using height and weight. Obese and overweight women are at higher risk.
In the lifestyle questionnaire they would be asked how many children they have – the more they have, the lower the risk – and whether they have breastfed, which protects against cancer.
Other questions would include when they started their first period – the earlier the greater the risk. They would also be asked how much they drank each week and whether they smoked.
They would undergo an X-ray of their breasts to assess their density. Women with denser breasts have a higher risk of cancer.
Their Body Mass Index would be calculated using height and weight. Obese and overweight women are at higher risk.
In the lifestyle questionnaire they would be asked how many children they have – the more they have, the lower the risk – and whether they have breastfed, which protects against cancer.
Other questions would include when they started their first period – the earlier the greater the risk. They would also be asked how much they drank each week and whether they smoked.
There are already some tests available to predict the risk of breast cancer, but these only look at mutations in certain genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – which affect one in 300 women. Thousands of other genes and minor flaws in the DNA also increase the chances of breast cancer. These will be examined by the new test.
Nell Barrie, of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘Testing for genetic changes that increase the risk of cancer can help us better understand each person’s chances of developing the disease.
‘Professor Easton’s work is applying our ever-growing knowledge of genetics to improve care through tailored advice and screening.
‘Research to personalise cancer care is a vital weapon in the fight against the disease.
‘In the future, it will be possible to uncover even more information about a person’s risk of cancer and about the weaknesses of each individual tumour – the potential for research like this is huge.’
Professor Easton hopes the test will be rolled out across the NHS, although this will not be for at least five years as it will need to undergo rigorous checks.
It is likely to be ready much sooner, within two or three years.
He has already developed a test, now widely used in the NHS, which determines which women are likely to be carrying mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes based on their family history.
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