New study claims gene test to constrict the elevated risk of breast cancer

Researchers at the Manchester University Foundation Trust have unveiled that a genetic test can accurately reduce the chances of breast cancer in women, in addition to considerably minimizing the requirement of complicated breast removal surgeries. The test, conducted on patient’s saliva or blood, is targeted toward 18 gene types that reportedly have a vivid influence on the diagnosis of breast cancer.As per reports, initially, the SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) would be available at the St. Mary’s Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester for patients with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, and a family history of breast cancer. BRCA for the record, has been christened the ‘Angelina Jolie Gene’, when she revealed that she had gone through breast cancer surgery.

The researchers at Manchester would arrive at the final conclusion only post monitoring the effects of the test on the 18 genetic variants. Regarding the efficacy of the test, cancer charities predict that it would certainly have a positive impact on women health, and would result in lesser number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

Currently, most of the women diagnosed with a high risk of breast cancer prefer undergoing the breast removal surgery to avoid further cancer-related complications in the future. The commercialization of this new gene test though, will help patients narrow down the level of risk by adopting preventive surgery. On these grounds, researchers have been looking forward to promoting the usage of this test among women to raise the awareness levels regarding the prospects of developing breast cancer.

In order to increase the accuracy level of gene tests for patients with BRCA mutations, Professor Evans and his team at the Manchester University Foundation Trust have been working with the Cambridge University and scholars from Europe, Australia, and US, to test cancer samples of 60,000 women. The group hopes that within two years, the improvement in gene tests will reach 300 genetic variants.

Apart from breast cancer, researchers are also focusing on using their current study to reduce the chances of developing lung, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, and uterine cancers among people.