Last month, University College London Hospitals announced a new test for women at high risk of ovarian cancer due to inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, who wish to defer preventative surgery. Dr. Premal Thaker, chief of gynecologic oncology at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, said the test could save lives.
“The majority of our patients are found at stage three or four, which makes it harder to treat, of course,” Thaker said.
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Public awareness
Public awareness of BRCA gene mutations surged in 2013 after actress Angelina Jolie revealed she underwent a preventive double mastectomy upon learning she carried the BRCA1 mutation, giving her an 87% risk of developing breast cancer.
Jolie later announced she had her ovaries removed for similar reasons, sparking widespread discussion about genetic testing and cancer prevention. Her openness drew attention to the CA-125 blood marker and the importance of early detection.
The ‘silent killer’
According to the American Cancer Society, about 20,890 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2025, and an estimated 12,730 will die from the disease. Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because symptoms typically emerge only after the cancer has advanced.
For women with a BRCA mutation, the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer can be as high as 44%, compared to about 1.3% in the general population.
Coming soon to the US
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates over 310,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women this year, and more than 42,000 deaths are expected.
Women with BRCA1 mutations face up to a 72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, compared to about 13% for women without the mutation.
While the new test is currently only available in the United Kingdom, Thaker said it is expected to become available in the United States soon.
The test requires three visits per year. Based on the willingness of women to get annual mammograms, Thaker is optimistic about its adoption.
“I do think that, you know, this is at least a very reality-based test that can happen for patients easily,” Thaker said.
