World Cancer Day 2014: Genetic breast cancer testing comes to India

February 4 2014 World Cancer Day

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: February 5, 2014 8:43 pm

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Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced the availability of BRCAvantage^TM, a suite of lab-developed genetic tests (LDT) that identify mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2genes, which are associated with increased risk of inherited breast and ovarian cancers. Also Read - Weight loss diet: How to eat healthy in a restaurant when you want to lose weight

The test offering in India follows Quest’s introduction of BRCAvantage to the United States in October 2013, and expands on the company’s goal to provide a wider menu of advanced cancer services in India. The BRCAvantage service for India provides several of the same features as the service in the United States. These include the use of advanced next-generation sequencing technologies by the Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., United States and access to genetic counseling in India to help patients and clinicians assess whether testing is appropriate. Patients can also access free home-collection services in 25 cities across India.

The BRCAvantage test helps to identify mutations (abnormal changes) in two genes. These genes are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Changes in theBRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for increasing the risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and associated cancers in women, and for prostate and breast cancer among men.

In India, breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women, with the relative proportion of women with cancer affected ranging from 19.3% to 27.5% (ICMR 2006). While large-scale studies are not yet available on the prevalence of breast cancer due to BRCAmutations in women in India, in western countries, an estimated 5% to 10% of female breast cancers are due to inherited gene mutations, withBRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations the most commonly identified causes. Patients that are at high risk for a BRCA mutation may seek to identify their mutation status so as to make prophylactic decisions, such as more frequent screenings or surgery.

Based on medical guidelines, BRCA testing is recommended for people with an immediate family member diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 or younger; a personal history of breast cancer at age 45 or younger; a family member diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age; a personal or family history of both breast and ovarian cancers on the same side of the family; a personal or family history of male breast cancer or a personal or family history of bilateral breast cancer (both breasts).

Commenting on the initiative Mr. Mukul Bagga, Managing Director, Quest Diagnostics India, said, ‘BRCAvantage is aimed at increasing access to testing for at-risk patients and leveraging the diagnostic insights for making empowered health choices. Advanced, high quality cancer testing services are not as widely available in India as in some other developed countries. This new offering demonstrates our passion for bringing in the latest technological innovation and expertise in cancer diagnostics to India. It also shows our commitment to providing diagnostic insights that can help create a healthier world, and we are pleased to help more people in India access this important service.‘

Dr. Anurag Bansal, Head of Medical, Quest Diagnostics India, added, ‘Ensuring that patients and individuals have access to a genetic test that has clinical value is important. Patients need to understand their cancer risks so they can make the most informed and timeliest decisions about their health. Although not every individual needs to get tested for BRCA mutations, now that the test is more widely available, patients who could benefit from BRCA testing will be able to access this service from a quality provider.’

Quest Diagnostics India operates a state-of-the-art 65,000 square feet laboratory in Gurgaon and has logistics and collection capabilities in 25 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Kochi and others.

Quest Diagnostics is the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic information services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com. Follow us at Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX.

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Published : February 4, 2014 2:33 pm | Updated:February 5, 2014 8:43 pm

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