Private patients may have access to a new test next year capable of detecting breast cancer in its early stage.
Norwegian life sciences firm DiaGenic ASA developed the test, which has the potential to save lives by giving doctors an opportunity to begin cancer treatement sooner.
The test is a welcome addition to the arsenal of tools available to doctors in the fight against breast cancer.
Dr. James Mackay, medical director for test distributor Opaldia concurs with charity organization Cancer Research UK in describing the test as exciting.
Professor Stephen Duffy, professor of screening for Cancer Research UK, says it is uncommon to encounter a blood test with an 80 percent accurate sensitivity to early breast cancer.
Professor Duffy is optimistic that the test may help diagnose breast cancer in women whose breast density makes diagnosis difficult with more traditional measures like mammography. He is awaiting independent validation of the test.