October 8, 2008 - deCODE genetics today launched deCODE BreastCancer, a new tool for assessing risk of the common forms of breast cancer.
The common forms of breast cancer result from the interplay of genetic, as well as environmental and lifestyle factors, represent 95 percent of all breast cancers, according to the company. These are distinct from the rare and essentially purely inherited forms of the disease due to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which cause between 1 and 3 percent of breast cancers. deCODE BreastCancer is a DNA-based reference laboratory test performed using a simple blood sample or cheek swab, ordered by physicians on behalf of their patients.
“This test is simple and compelling because it provides a woman and her doctor a means of understanding her personal risk of developing the common forms of breast cancer,” Kari Stefansson, M.D., CEO of deCODE. “This information is well-validated, relevant to the vast majority of women, and independent of family history and other known risk factors. Combined with the high public awareness of the importance of screening, advances in magnetic resonance imaging technology and the availability of preventive drugs targeting estrogen receptors, I believe this test will help to save lives.”
For more information: www.decodeme.com
September 07, 2023 
