259: genetic testing for breast cancer getting closer

More good news about efforts to tackle breast cancer today, following on from the recent RTBH post about the success of early screening in the UK (post 244). As today's linked article from the BBC reports, a simple genetic test - such as a mouth swab - could soon be available that would help identify an increased risk of breast cancer later in life. In the UK, for example, this would enable women with a genetic profile suggesting increased risk to have scans earlier, perhaps at age 30, rather than the current NHS norm of 50. And, with early scanning now demonstrating its worth, you would expect breast cancer mortality rates to drop as a result. It makes you wonder what hope genomics might offer elsewhere... (Photo from BBC online.)