A new DNA test has revealed eighty different markers that signify an increased risk for cancer. There are more than 80 different genetic markers that when present increase the risk of developing prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer.
The study took a look at the DNA of about 200,000 people half of them that suffered from cancer and half of them that did not. They then compare the DNA to see what led to an inherited risk of developing cancer.
The research was led by British scientists who believe that in as soon as five years they can use the research to develop a new DNA screening test. In addition, they hope that the new study will help them learn more about cancer development. The research was conducted by the Cancer Research UK, the Institute of Cancer Research, and scientists at the University of Cambridge.
Professor Doug Easton, the author of the study, stated that they are close to being able to use the genetic variations they are aware of in order to create a test that will help make prostate and breast cancer screening more effective. In order to conduct the studies scientists looked closely for different genetic variations that were each linked to different cancers.
They found that every alternation was linked to an increase in cancer by a marginal amount. They also found that a small amount of men that had the genetic markers had almost a fourfold risk for prostate cancer. They found that women with the same markers had a three time increased chance of developing breast cancer.
In addition, the test can also isolate those that have a smaller risk of developing cancers then others in the study group. Most women have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer, but those with the genetic markers have a one out of two chance of developing cancer.
