With Breast Cancer Awareness Month upon us there is news that a quicker detection tool may be at the disposal of doctors in the future. The AFP is reporting that Canadian researchers have developed a hormone testing technique that will one day be used as a hand held device.
One of the most effective ways to treat breast cancer successfully is with early detection and according to researchers this new test will allow doctors to weigh a woman’s risk before the breast cancer ever begins. Researchers from the University of Toronto explain the way the test will work, "tiny samples of blood and breast tissue to identify women at risk of breast cancer much more quickly than ever before." It is believed that women with higher levels of the hormone estrogen in their breast tissue have a greater chance of later developing breast cancer.
Gynecologist and lead author of the study, Noha Mousa, explains why this new test is an innovative and simpler way to measure how much estrogen a woman holds in her breast. Mousa says, "Breast estrogen levels of women at risk are not routinely measured because conventional techniques require large samples obtained through invasive biopsies."
Aaron Wheeler, from the university’s chemistry department, explains that once this device is developed further it can become a routine part of hormone testing at the doctor’s office. Wheeler adds that the device and technique will prove to have more than one use, it will "help in monitoring hormone levels in infertility treatments and in detecting illegals doping in athletes."
What do you think of the news of a hand held device that could detect your breast cancer risk?
Is this testing device something you would be interested in seeing at your doctor’s office in the future?
I like the idea of early detection but when I read, taking breast tissue, I would need more information before I could make a decission.
lmorman::
on Oct 13, 2009
I'm absolutely interested in seeing this at my doctor's office. PLEASE, let's get this out there ASAP.
THANK YOU University of Toronto. You're going to save alot of lives with this device. I know it.
L_camille::
on Oct 14, 2009
This would be great...my grandmother has breast cancer, she just recently flew to Germany for some treatments that they don't offer here in the US, it is a horible thing to watch someone go through, I can't even imagine going through it myself, I would definately get this test done.
Alyssarae92293::
on Oct 14, 2009
This test is a god send. This quick detection rule is a FANTATIC idea.
BJenkins::
on Oct 16, 2009
I think this test would be another great way of detecting it early and hope to see it at my dr's office one day.
shirsch246::
on Oct 16, 2009
problem would be if there were a lot of false positives....the roller coaster of never knowing where you stand. If it works though, it would be a great tool.
sara322::
on Oct 17, 2009
The most effective tools for detecting breast cancer are clinical breast exams and mammography!! Mammography can detect breast masses years before they are felt on exam. Ladies, get to know your breasts with monthly breast self exams and make sure your provider gives you a thorough clinical breast exam at your yearly appointment.
farmerbrown2002::
on Nov 02, 2009
I think its great.
AimeeAken::
on Nov 12, 2009
What a great idea! I plan to get my first mammogram when I turn 40 (I am 37).
We do not have any history of this in the family, even though it can happen to anyone I still want to be safe.
