London clinic offers test for early breast cancer detection

The London Breast Clinic has announced that it is to be the first breast clinic in Europe to offer their patients BCtect, a blood based test for early detection of breast cancer.

“We are pleased with this development to optimise the options and care available for women with complex breast screening needs”, said Fiona MacNeill, Surgical Director of The London Breast Clinic, 108 Harley Street, London.

“I believe that this test is the most significant development in the detection of early breast cancer in the last decade worldwide”, said Dr James MacKay, Genetic Oncologist at The London Breast Clinic.

“Regular mammographic screening still misses cancers. To be able to offer such a test as BCtect alongside regular mammography is an exciting prospect for us. Increasing the pick-up rate of early breast cancer in young women is especially important. I will consult with patients after their mammogram and prior to the blood being taken at Quest Diagnostics, 10 Upper Wimpole Street and then again with the results. Data from The London Breast Clinic and also in other studies has shown that in recent years about 40% of cancers diagnosed from symptomatic referrals have been in patients below the age of the National Breast Screening Programme.”

BCtect uses blood as the sample material and detects cancer at an early stage. Early detection is the key to survival in breast cancer and current diagnostic methods have limitations in their diagnostic accuracy in females with dense breasts. BCtect has the potential to distinguish between benign and malignant disease and is as accurate in premenopausal as in postmenopausal females, and across cancer stages and types. These unique characteristics offer improved early diagnostic capabilities in premenopausal females over current technologies. With its rapid and convenient sample collection BCtect enables improved breast cancer diagnosis.

For more information, visit: thelondonbreastclinic.com