A Test To Detect Early Breast Cancer (NAPSA)—Millions of women are at risk for breast cancer—the second-leading cause of death for women in America. Now a new blood test for early detection is being tested that has the potential to save millionsof lives. Currently, early detection is almost nonexistent. The two mostcommon techniques, mammograms and self-examinations, can only detect the malignancy onceit is already established. Early detection is critically important because it provides the widest range of treatment options and favorable outcomes. With 20 percent of breast cancers returning within five years, early detection is also of major significance in preventing recurrences. A simple blood-serum test has been developed that can detect breast cancer before tumors are detectable. A Texas-based medical diagnostic company, Power3 Medical, has engaged in research to identify and quantify the presence of certain proteins identified with breast cancer. The resulting early-screening blood serum test, BC-Sera Pro”, is designed to detect the presence of these proteins in the earliest, most treatable stages. Given that only 66 percent of womenelect to get a mammogram, the hope would also be for this test to augment mammograms. Although the breast cancer disease mechanism is not yet fully understood, distinctive proteins can be mapped to create a positive or negative diagnosis. 5% AY Ay PWNS YS eA 3 A blood-screening test for breast cancer could save many lives and save millions of dollars spent on uncomfortable tests. Power3 has so far found 22 biomarkers associated with early breast cancer. Validation trials are currently under way at Mercy Women’s Center in Oklahoma City and elsewhere. In addition to its usefulness in offering early diagnosis, BC-Sera Pro can potentially monitor the progression of the disease to determineif a specific therapy is effective. This would enable doctors to find and managethe best and most timely treatments for their patients. Ginger Meyers, Clinical Pro- grams Director at Power3 Medical, says: “A blood-screening test for early detection of breast cancer could save countless lives, while saving millions of dollars spent on additional tests that are often times unnecessary andpainful.” Visit power3medical.com or ask your physician for more information.
