National Ledger - Breast Cancer Blood Test: Hype or Hope?

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By Gene Byrd Oct 11, 2008

Will a blood test work to help spot breast cancer? A report from the Washington Post notes that a biotech company has rolled out the first genetic test to assess a woman's risk for the most common forms of breast cancer. Is it hype or hope? It certainly will being reigniting debate about the growing number of unregulated genetic tests.

Breast Cancer Blood Test: Hype or Hope?

The Seattle Times reports that the $1,625 test by deCODE genetics of Reykjavik, Iceland, promises to determine a woman's risk through a simple blood sample or cheek swab. Previously, the only tests for breast-cancer risk were for relatively rare genes, leaving most women with no way to assess their individual genetic predisposition.

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The Times notes that not everyone praised the development. "I wouldn't recommend to anyone that she have such a test. I certainly wouldn't want my daughter to have such a test," said Mary-Claire King, a breast-cancer genetics expert at the University of Washington. "It's meaningless, and it could very easily introduce real confusion."

The test comes as concern has been rising about the proliferation of genetic tests. Hundreds of laboratories are now offering genetic testing for more than 1,200 conditions, reports the Post. Right now, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate such tests when they are performed by the labs offering them. Best advice, check with your doctor and follow their advice and blood test health officials warn that the blood test should not be used as a replacement for regular mammograms.

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