The first article, written by Time's Tessa Berenson, describes a new start-up campaign based business called Color Genomics, which has developed a one-step saliva test to determine a genetic link between the patient and breast cancer genes.
Sound great? Well, it's exactly 1/10th the cost of regular genetic tests used today. Is that the best the healthcare industry can do? I think not. Bitter pharmaceutical rivals LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics have set aside their differences and put an incredible amount of resources into refining and implementing breast cancer gene data, an initiative called BRACA Share, which also invites other researchers and pharmaceuticals to participate.
Pharmaceuticals playing nice? Cancer screening tests inexpensive? What has the world come to?
Color Genomics also kicks off their testing by offering free breast cancer screening tests, but I neither know where nor how.
It couldn't come at a better time too!
Another article published by the Washington Post describes a new statistic that many consider frightening. The National Cancer Institute believes the number of breast cancer cases will rise by 50% come the year 2030 - which is a mere 15 years from now.
Before we all sign up for drastic surgery measures to prevent cancer, Dr. Rosenberg from the institute says the culprit is not at all what it seems; there are some fairly benign reasons behind the anticipated surge.
Reason #1: 2 words - baby boomers. The number of elderly women is rising, therefore, the number of cancer cases will rise with them. On top of that the life expectancy of baby boomers is going to rise as well. On the bright side the anticipated breast tumors will be easier to treat and less harmful.
Reason #2: We simply live longer. There is no concrete age requirement to stop screening for breast cancer in women. The other day I scheduled a 90 year old woman for her annual mammogram. More women prefer to have the exam done, which both catches cancer in early stages and extends life.
Reason 3#: Overall better health and habits. People are making a stronger effort to live healthy lives, which includes regular screening and diagnostic procedures. Living healthy also increases longevity and inadvertently increases your chance of developing breast cancer at some point in your long and healthy life.
The articles mentioned in this post can be found in the links below:
http://time.com/3829449/breast-cancer-genetic-test-cheap/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/04/20/breast-cancers-predicted-to-rise-by-50-percent-by-2030/
~ Chelsea
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