FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 like this for a long time and the preliminary data looks exciting.” Once rolled out clinically, the test could eventually help women who are skipping mammograms altogether because of inconvenience or less-than-perfect detection rates. This also means it may appeal and be useful for all women and not just patients with higher breast densities. “Our test is not dependent on breast tissue density, it’s a diagnostic of breast tissue density,” explained Puri. “So regardless of high density or low density, if the tumor is progressing, we see that stage progression with our test.” ASSESSING RISK Women shouldn’t wait until they are 45 to start thinking about breast cancer and their screening options. If breast cancer risk is elevated, patients may start mammograms at age 30, rather than age 40, said Kaylene Ready, MS, CGC, director of inherited cancer at Counsyl, which offers genetic screenings to help people understand their risk for certain types of cancer. “Positive genetic screening tests alert physicians to monitor high-risk patients more frequently for certain cancers.” BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common genes associated with inherited breast cancer risk, according to the NIH. Gene mutations associated with breast cancer are more common among people of central and eastern European Jewish heritages, as well as Norwegian, Icelandic and Dutch ancestry according to the NIH.4 “While no genetic test can report with 100% certainty that a cancer will occur, a positive result suggests a much higher chance—often 10 to 20 times greater the general population risk,” explained Ready. 19 ADVANCE FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS CANCER SCREENING The ONE-STOP SHOP for healthcare professionals Shop: Scrubs, Lab Coats, Shoes, Equipment, Exclusive Casual Wear, Gifts, And more! Plus, FREE shipping is available on qualifying purchases. START SHOPPING TODAY!
ADVANCE for Medical Laboratory Professionals • February/March 2016
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