DNA errors used to predict a woman’s chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer
An international team of scientists has predicted the chances of women developing breast cancer by looking for errors in their DNA.
The findings, which were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, could transform screening, preventative treatments and even Hormone Replacement Therapy.
The team, led by the Institute of Cancer Research in London and the University of Cambridge, analysed 77 genes which individually had a low impact on the risk of developing cancer but made a powerful combination, allowing scientists to calculate the probability of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer.
In the UK, genetic tests which are already available to patients are currently restricted to women with the very highest risk of developing breast cancer.
Corrina Mottram, a clinical negligence solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Chelmsford office, said: “Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Anything that can be done to reduce the number of breast cancer incidents is a vital step forward in the fight faced by too many women in the UK each year.
“Extensive research and technological advancements like this mean that the fight against breast cancer is progressing and success rates are improving year-on-year. However, the reality is that some women do not receive the treatment they deserve and are victims of misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis.
“This discovery will mean that women most at risk of developing breast cancer can be identified and measures can be taken to reduce their chance of developing the disease and begin treatment at the earliest stage.
“We would like to see similar investment put into research into all types of cancer. This would hopefully result in the same kind of advances in diagnosis and would allow doctors to diagnose and treat all types of cancers at the earliest possible stage.”
Concerned about negligent medical treatment or diagnoses? Talk to us for advice and support today.
Our discreet and compassionate medical negligence solicitors are experienced in the full range of medical injury claims and will work with you to establish whether you have a medical negligence compensation claim.
If you, or a loved one, think you have suffered medical negligence, such as a birth injury (for example, a cerebral palsy diagnosis following a difficult birth), misdiagnosis (such as cancer misdiagnosis), or suffered negligence during an operation contact us for advice.
If the incident happened more than three years ago, you will usually not be able to make a claim for compensation. However, exceptions do apply – such as instances where you could not have reasonably known your symptoms were caused by clinical negligence, or cases involves adults who lack legal capacity or children – so contact us for advice.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.