The words ‘breast cancer’ can strike fear into our hearts – especially knowing that one in eight women in the UK develop it. But the positive news is that 85% of those diagnosed will now survive for five or more years.* And these statistics are constantly improving, thanks to advancements in medicine and testing, fundraisers through initiatives such October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and lifestyle factors. Here’s what you need to know.
TESTS THAT YOU CAN TRY
Knowing whether or not you are at risk genetically can help you to take action earlier...
+ GENETIC TEST Between 5-10% of all breast cancer cases are genetic, so if you have a family history of breast cancer then you can request a test to check whether or not you carry the faulty variant of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. If you do carry a BRCA gene mutation, your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer is higher. While this sounds alarming, there's preventative treatment available. Your GP can advise.
+ SNP TEST A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) test provides a lifetime risk score by detecting changes in DNA that raise your chances of developing breast cancer. You will need to pay for it, though - and it's expensive.
TRY the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment test, £301, check4cancer.com. We recommend that you speak to your GP first.
NEW DRUGS TO EXTEND LIFE
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?