[LADIES] £100 test that can reveal a woman's breast cancer risk

A test that can predict a woman’s risk of breast cancer for £100 could be ready within two or three 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.

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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.
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.

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