Today Icelandic biotech firm Decode Genetics announced the launch of the first commercially available test to assess a woman’s genetic risk of breast cancer, costing around £1,000.
Although we’re rapidly understanding more and more about the role of genes in cancer risk, we believe that it’s too early for a test of this kind to be released to the general public. We are also concerned that the tests would be used without clear counselling about what the results might mean.
Click on the player below to listen to a short interview with Cancer Research UK Senior Clinical Research Fellow and breast cancer genetics expert, Dr Paul Pharoah, explaining his concerns about the test.
Amanda Sandford from ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) discusses the cost of smoking to the NHS.
Fiona Gilbert talks about CADET 2, a clinical trial to test whether computer-read mammograms can help to ease the pressure on the UK breast screening programme.
Stan Kaye, chair of the 2008 NCRI Conference programme planning committee, discusses the strands running through the conference and his highlights from the meeting.
Kim Nasmyth talks about cohesin, the molecule that holds newly-copied DNA together in cells, and his exciting new discovery about the way it works.
Howard Scher discusses his research into treating prostate cancer that has become resistant to hormone therapy.
Joe Gray explains how his research is leading to more tailored treatment for breast cancer.
Mike Richards, National Cancer Director for England, discusses the costs of cancer care, and how money could be saved and redirected within the NHS to provide better services.
Nazneen Rahman talks about her new research into Wilms’ tumour, a type of childhood kidney cancer, and how it will help children with the disease.
Today Icelandic biotech firm Decode Genetics announced the launch of the first commercially available test to assess a woman’s genetic risk of breast cancer, costing around £1,000.
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Posted by Kat Arney 
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