Breast Cancer Awareness Month: SRL’s new BRCA 1&2 testing to improve early diagnosis

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 21, 2014 12:09 pm

It is estimated that 1 in 22 Indian women have the lifetime probability of developing breast cancer. Drawing reference from the industry scenario SRL diagnostics, the largest diagnostic chain in the country believes that by 2020, 70% of the world’s cancer cases will be in poor countries, with a fifth in India, while breast cancer is set to overtake cervical cancer as the most common type of cancer among all women in India. Also Read - Avoid sexual dysfunction: Having multiple partners may actually be good for you

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In Asia, breast cancer incidence peaks among women in their forties and is expected that in the coming decades, these countries would account for majority of new breast cancer patients diagnosed globally. Over 100,000 new breast cancer patients are estimated to be diagnosed annually in India (Source- SIRO Clinpharm). Poor survival may be largely explained by lack of or limited access to early detection services and treatment. Also Read - Estrogen can protect you from the flu: Boost levels of this hormone naturally

Urban women are at almost double the risk of breast cancer than rural women. The data further states that the number of cancer cases in rural areas is 14.5 per 100,000, whereas in urban areas, it is 26.9 per 100,000 (Source–Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). With current breast cancer risk rates only 30% of women in the population are at higher risk of the disease.This epidemic calls for a fast track & timely diagnosis of the disease in India. SRL Diagnostics through its ever evolving research & developmental studies and a dedicated innovation wing is developing tests for the diagnosis of Breast Cancer along with other predictive tests for related risks.

SRL Diagnostics has developed measures and innovative techniques to diagnose breast cancer at early stages. Accurate detection and diagnosis is confirmed by taking a radiological imaging or biopsy of the concerning lump followed by their most innovative BRCA1 & 2 gene tests.

Among all most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with two abnormal genes: BRCA1 (Breast Cancer gene 1) or BRCA2 (Breast Cancer gene 2). About 5 10% of cases are due to genes inherited from one s parents. Women with an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have about a 60% risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes (compared to 12-13% for women overall).

To accelerate the progress in combating Breast Cancer, SRL also provides tests like Breast Cancer Monitor- I (CA 15-3, CEA), Chemiluminescence 3022, Breast Cancer Prognosis Tumor Profile, HER- 2, Breast Metastatic Marker CA 15.3 and DNA Ploidy, Mammogram, c MYC gene amplification & Cell Cycle Analysis.

Dr. B. R. Das, ‘This is a crucial time for us to get concerned about breast cancer risks, as more and more women are diagnosed with the disease. Our team of experts at SRL Diagnostics feel that a two-pronged exclusive BRCA 1&2 gene test is the best way to detect breast cancer at an initial stage followed by a preventive therapy and lifestyle advice. Developing new approaches to prevent the disease can lead to significant progress over the next 10 years, with many more cases of breast cancer being prevented.’ (Read: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why you need to look at your breasts)

Dr. Das further adds, ‘Through activities of the health ministries of the Central and State governments in India, PBCR, HBCCR, ICMR and their joint projects as well as through activities of NGOs and WHO volunteers in India; several mass surveillance and screening programs have been initiated all over the country. However, if we consider the latest prevalence that is available from PBCR, HBCR and Globocan; in spite of screening programs the incidence of breast cancer is constantly on the rise. This warrants a need to further strengthen the existing screening and awareness campaigns and to widen their expanse among India s large population.’ (Read: Relapse of breast cancer what you should know)

Many women are unaware of the key risk factors for breast cancer, many of which are out of their control, and it is so important that women know what they can do to manage their risk. It is even more vital that women are aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to follow the recommended lifestyle advice to lower their risks. Thus on the preventive side performing monthly breast self & clinical exams in the 20 s followed by annual mammographic screening starting at the age of 40 are essential to fight this disease. (Read: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 4 tips to wear pink this October)

Test Details at SRL Diagnostics:

Category	Test Name	Positioning
Histopathology	Tissue Histopathology	Diagnosis
Tumor Marker	ER/PgR	Monitoring
	CA 15-3	Monitoring
	DNA Ploidy	Prognosis
	HER-2 / neu oncoprotein (C-ERB 2)	Prognosis and Monitoring
Cytogenetics	HER2/neu FISH	Treatment Decision
PCR (Molecular)	c myc gene amplification	Prognosis
PCR (Molecular)	BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutation	Predictive
*CellSearch (Veridex)*	Circulating tumor cells	Serial monitoring and prognosis
Imaging Tests	Mammogram	Screening
	CT Scan	Aid in Diagnosis and Monitoring
	Breast MRI	Screening