Renowned geneticist Mary-Claire King, whose research has revealed that breast cancer results from a particular gene, BRCA1, and can be a heritable disease, emphasised on genetic testing of women having breast and ovarian cancer in India.
She was addressing the gathering at the Kolkata leg of the Seventh Annual Cell Press-TNQ India Distinguished Lectureship Series on Tuesday.
“My proposition for India is that every breast and ovarian cancer patient should be sequenced (tested) for mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA 2 (genes which cause breast cancer).
“Keeping in mind the current context of limited resources here, I am not saying all women above the age of 30 be screened; just start with the patients,” said Professor King.
She also said, “Genetic sequencing of existing breast cancer patients is needed to ensure that none of her relatives (sisters and daughters) get breast cancer later on.”
Elaborating on the need for genetic testing to identify whether one has the related mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, she said that through such testing, women will be able to decide whether to go through necessary surgery to reduce the risk.
Informed choice
Prof. King also said that the results of the genetic testing will enlighten the patient’s sisters and daughters on whether they are at the risk of getting breast cancer in their late 30s and 40s. She said that the cost of genetic testing has come down considerably in U.S. in the last couple of years. “The cost of sequencing (genetic testing) has come down from $4,000 (about ₹2.7 lakh) to $250 (about ₹16,672) in the U.S.
In India, scientists are incredibly good at improving technology while simultaneously making it cost-effective,” she said.
Prof. King also suggested that “close cooperation” between genome scientists and medical professionals is necessary for the exchange of information and streamlining research.
