In her powerful and personal ITV documentary about undergoing surgery for breast cancer, Julia Bradbury spoke openly about her diagnosis and the difficult choices she faced.
One of the tools that helped guide her decision-making was an SNP test – but what exactly does that mean, and why is it important? Read on as our Breast Surgeon and Prevent Breast Cancer Chairman and Co-founder, Lester Barr MBE, explores SNPs.
What Are SNPs?
SNPs (pronounced “snip”) are tiny variations in DNA. There are more than 300 known SNPs that can influence a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. For Julia Bradbury, the results of her SNP test were an important factor in deciding not to have a double mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis.
The key thing about SNP testing is that it can provide valuable information even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer. At Prevent Breast Cancer, we’ve been working on the development of SNP testing for several years.
The test is most effective when combined with other factors such as breast density, mammogram results, lifestyle and personal background. This is because most breast cancers are caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences – not just inherited genes.
Are SNP tests available on the NHS?
At the moment, SNP testing is not available on the NHS. However, Prevent Breast Cancer has carried out a large study called PROCAS (Predicting Risk of Cancer at Screening), which demonstrated that SNP testing could make the NHS breast screening programme more effective.
By identifying women at higher risk, SNP testing could allow for a more personalised screening system, ensuring those who need it most receive extra attention. The next stage is a “real-world” trial of SNP testing in women over 50, which would assess its effectiveness and cost efficiency for the NHS.
Could SNP Testing Prevent Breast Cancer?
SNP testing also shows promise for younger women. Many breast cancers occur before the age of 50, when routine NHS screening begins. If SNP testing were offered from the age of 30 or 35, it could provide an early warning system for those most at risk – even if they have no family history of the disease.
For SNP testing to work at scale, new clinical trials are needed. These trials would combine SNP results with breast density testing to better identify women at risk. It’s also important to note that SNP results can vary depending on ethnicity, so further research is needed to ensure SNP testing works effectively across diverse populations.
Supporting Research into SNP Testing
At Prevent Breast Cancer, we believe SNP testing could transform the way we prevent and detect breast cancer. But to get there, we need continued research and investment. Thanks to generous support, including that highlighted in Julia Bradbury’s documentary, we are funding vital studies into how SNPs can be used in everyday screening.
If you’d like to help us take the next step towards a future free from breast cancer, you can donate directly to our research projects. Your support could help bring SNP testing closer to becoming part of routine NHS care.
More information on SNPs from Sacha Howell
Dr Sacha Howell, Medical Oncologist and Prevent Breast Cancer researcher, has also shared his expertise on SNP testing.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
