Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women globally and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. According to 2022 statistics, approximately 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed, with over 670,000 deaths attributed to the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to create awareness, honour the millions of lives affected by breast cancer and reaffirm our global commitment to equitable access to care and improved survival for all. (Credit: shutterstock)

In response to this critical health challenge, the World Health Organization launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually and prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040. The initiative focuses on three key pillars: early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment.

Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the Cancer Surveillance Branch at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), underscores the importance of these efforts: "Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential to address the global gap in breast cancer and ensure that the goal of reducing suffering and death from breast cancer is achieved by all countries worldwide."

A significant proportion of breast cancer cases are closely linked to genetic factors. Certain genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers. Research has also identified approximately 20 additional genes linked to an elevated risk of hereditary breast cancer.

Healthcare guidelines recommend genetic testing for individuals with a strong family history of cancer, those diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, or those with certain subtypes of breast cancer. For these individuals, precision prevention begins with risk assessment.

"For women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing to assess hereditary risk is the first step in precision prevention," explains Dr. Kang Shao, researcher at BGI-Research. "This enables high-risk individuals to develop targeted health management plans."

Comprehensive genetic testing panels can evaluate a range of genes associated with hereditary cancer syndromes, providing valuable insights not only for the individual but also for their family members. This approach is increasingly being adopted as a global public health practice.

For instance, in a landmark initiative in 2023, the Ministry of Health of Thailand introduced free genetic screening services for breast cancer patients and their families, a move that reflects the growing importance of genetic testing in breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Supporting this initiative, BGI established a joint laboratory for genetic tumor screening with the National Institute of Health under the Ministry of Health of Thailand to provide testing services to affected patients and their families.

BGI Group has been actively contributing to breast cancer screening and research. By offering genetic tests that analyze panels of genes associated with increased risk, BGI Group helps create a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's genetic predisposition.

BGI’s genetic screening tests identify individuals with a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer due to inherited genetic variations. Armed with this knowledge, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health, such as undergoing more frequent screenings or adopting preventive measures.

In addition, BGI’s genetic testing for key biomarkers can guide doctors in formulating the most effective treatment plans. For advanced breast cancer cases, genetic markers can help predict whether immunotherapy, might be effective. By analyzing these markers, doctors can better assess a patient's likelihood of responding to treatment.

On World Breast Cancer Day, BGI honors those advancing breast cancer research and care. Committed to global collaboration, BGI strives to transform precision medicine into accessible diagnostic tools, improving care for patients worldwide.