Scientists have developed a DNA test that diagnoses deadly breast cancer one year earlier than current methods
- Changes in a part of DNA, known as EFC#93, are an early warning sign
- These changes occur in patients' blood before cancer becomes detectable
- Among women with these changes, 43% were diagnosed in 3-6 months
- Some 25% of women with EFC#93 in their blood were diagnosed in 6-12 months
- The test's accuracy may avoid unnecessary treatment in less severe cases
Scientists have developed a DNA test that may diagnose fatal breast cancer year
earlier than current methods.
Changes in a part of DNA, which the researchers named EFC#93, suggests early warning signs of life-threatening breast cancer.
These changes occur in patients' blood before their cancer becomes detectable in their breast tissue.
A study revealed among women who have EFC#93 in their blood, 43 per cent were diagnosed with a life-threatening form of breast cancer three-to-six months later, while 25 per cent were diagnosed within six-to-12 months.
Study author Professor Martin Widschwendter from University College London, said: 'For the first time, our study provides evidence that markers such as EFC#93 provide a highly specific indicator that could diagnose fatal breast cancers up to one year in advance of current diagnosis.'
'This may enable individualised treatment, which could even begin in the absence of radiological evidence in the breast.'
There are around 55,000 new cases of breast cancer every year in the UK, with one in eight women being affected at some point in their lives.
Changes in a part of DNA, which the researchers named EFC#93, suggests early warning signs of life-threatening breast cancer.
These changes occur in patients' blood before their cancer becomes detectable in their breast tissue.
A study revealed among women who have EFC#93 in their blood, 43 per cent were diagnosed with a life-threatening form of breast cancer three-to-six months later, while 25 per cent were diagnosed within six-to-12 months.
Study author Professor Martin Widschwendter from University College London, said: 'For the first time, our study provides evidence that markers such as EFC#93 provide a highly specific indicator that could diagnose fatal breast cancers up to one year in advance of current diagnosis.'
'This may enable individualised treatment, which could even begin in the absence of radiological evidence in the breast.'
There are around 55,000 new cases of breast cancer every year in the UK, with one in eight women being affected at some point in their lives.
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