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NHS trial finds nearly one in five women in their 30s at high risk of breast cancer

Results from DNA alongside annual mammogram assessments could reshape screening guidelines for women in their 30s

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Family and friends of Sarah Harding, who died of breast cancer in 2021, set up a charity in her name which is helping to fund breast cancer screening for young women
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Overview

  • The Bcan-Ray study led by Dr Sacha Howell has tested over 700 women aged 30 to 39 and aims to recruit 1,000 participants by the end of June.
  • Early data show that 19 per cent of participants fall into a higher-than-average risk category defined by a 3 per cent chance of developing breast cancer within ten years.
  • Participants receive DNA testing, health questionnaires and low-dose annual mammograms to calculate personalised risk scores.
  • Funded by the Christie Charity’s Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, the trial is expanding to multiple NHS cancer units across England.
  • Findings will inform the NHS national cancer plan and could lead to lowering the routine screening age from 50 to 30.