Every year, over two million people are diagnosed with breast cancer globally, 99% of whom are women. Thanks to EU-funded research we now have better insights into predicting and preventing breast cancer – saving lives.
Breast cancer is not a single disease; it has several subtypes that need to be understood separately. Furthermore, no two patients and no two tumours are the same. Doctors have got much better at treating breast cancer, but most patients have no clear risk factors other than age and gender.
The researchers analysed data from over 20 000 breast tumours, along with clinical and lifestyle information from 100 000 breast cancer patients.
They also developed tools to assess breast cancer risk, empowering patients and doctors.
These tools are available online now and are providing healthcare providers with critical information that enables tailored prevention and treatment strategies. This model has been translated into several languages and is already helping clinicians to classify patients according to the danger posed by type of cancer.
Doctors are then able to offer high-risk patients further diagnostics such as MRI scans.
Another challenge is understanding the genetic and lifestyle determinants of risk.
By studying almost 250 000 women with and without the disease, this work has found nine new genes associated with breast cancer.
These were assessed as the most useful for inclusion on breast cancer prediction models.
The research has led to a comprehensive risk model. In time, it could form the basis of genetic tests to identify women who are more likely to develop the disease.
Several other types of data were analysed. For instance, some breast cancers can be prevented by reducing alcohol consumption and following a healthy lifestyle.
By combining genetic, lifestyle, and clinical data, these tools offer a holistic approach to breast cancer risk management, aiming to reduce incidence and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
Armed with this model, healthcare providers can offer better prevention guidelines, tailored for individuals.