May 25, 2007

scientists respond to new breast cancer genes finding

A paper published in Nature described the discovery of new genes predisposing women to breast cancer.

Professor Karol Sikora, leading cancer specialist, said:

“This set of incredible papers points to the future understanding the genetics of cancer. The challenge is how to apply our new knowledge in financially struggling healthcare systems all over the world. Its likely many more cancer predisposing genes will be identified using similar approaches in the next few months. By risk banding women we will be able to target screening programmes far more effectively as well as developing tailored prevention strategies just for those most likely to get cancer. We now need to develop systems to get optimal clinical benefit as rapidly as possible.”