CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phenogen Sciences, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Australia-based Genetic Technologies Limited (NASDAQ:GENE) and maker of BREVAGenplus, today commented on the American Cancer Society's (ACS) recent changes to its breast cancer screening guidelines. These guidelines, which are aimed at women with an average risk of breast cancer, raised the recommended age for first mammogram to 45 and suggested women over age 55 switch to biennial mammograms. However, the recommendations also create clinical ambiguity by concluding that women between ages 40 and 44 should still have the choice to get annual mammograms, and that women 55 years and older should likewise have the opportunity to continue annual screenings.1 BREVAGenplus, a clinically-validated, genetically-based breast cancer risk assessment test, can help physicians resolve this ambiguity by identifying which women without a family history still warrant earlier and/or more frequent screening.
"The ACS' changes to its breast cancer screening guidelines, presents a challenge for physicians to identify who is appropriate for mammography screening before the age of 45 and annually after age 55. BREVAGenplus offers a solution, by providing physicians with a more accurate assessment of a patient's risk of developing sporadic breast cancer. This assessment can help guide physicians and patients as they develop a personalized breast cancer screening plan," commented Eutillio Buccilli, Chief Executive Officer, Genetic Technologies Limited. "More than 85 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have little or no family history of the disease and may have been overlooked for mammography screening prior to diagnosis."
The BREVAGenplus test assesses both clinical risk factors and genetic markers known to be associated with sporadic, or non-hereditary, breast cancer to determine a woman's five-year and lifetime risk of developing the disease. The test is designed to facilitate better informed decisions about breast cancer screening and preventative treatment plans for Caucasian, Hispanic and African-American women, age 35-65 years, who have not had breast cancer, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and have one or more risk factors for developing breast cancer.
About BREVAGenplus
An enhancement of Phenogen Sciences Inc. first generation product, BREVAGen, BREVAGenplus evaluates an increased number of genetic markers (SNPs); and testing is now available for African-American and Hispanic American women.
BREVAGenplus is a clinically-validated, personalized predictive risk assessment test that more accurately evaluates a woman's personal risk of developing sporadic, or non-hereditary, breast cancer. By evaluating a woman's clinical information (Gail score) and genetic markers (SNP profile), BREVAGenplus assists physicians in developing personalized risk management plans and taking appropriate steps towards managing each woman's risk of developing sporadic breast cancer with greater precision than ever before.
Phenogen Sciences Inc. markets BREVAGenplus to healthcare providers in women's health, primarily obstetricians/gynecologists (OBGYNs), breast cancer risk assessment specialists (such as breast surgeons) and comprehensive breast health care and imaging centers. For more information, visit http://www.BREVAGenplus.com.
About Phenogen Sciences Inc.
Phenogen Sciences Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Australia-based Genetic Technologies Limited, is a pioneer in personalized healthcare. Phenogen Sciences offers novel predictive testing and assessment tools that help physicians proactively manage women's health risks. Phenogen Sciences' product, BREVAGenplus is a scientifically validated test that combines a woman's clinical history with a panel of genetic markers to more accurately categorize her personal risk of developing breast cancer. For more information, visit http://www.phenogensciences.com.
About Genetic Technologies Limited
Genetic Technologies (NASDAQ:GENE) is a molecular diagnostics company that offers predictive testing and assessment tools to help physicians proactively manage women's health. The Company's lead product, BREVAGenplus, is a clinically validated risk assessment test for non-hereditary breast cancer and is first in its class. BREVAGenplus improves upon the predictive power of the first generation, BREVAGen test and is designed to facilitate better informed decisions about breast cancer screening and preventive treatment plans. BREVAGenplus expands the application of BREVAGen from Caucasian women to include African-Americans and Hispanics, and is directed towards women aged 35 years or above, who have not had breast cancer and have one or more risk factors for developing breast cancer.
The Company has successfully launched the first generation BREVAGen test across the U.S. via its U.S. subsidiary Phenogen Sciences Inc. and the release of BREVAGenplus, launched in October 2014, significantly expands the applicable market. The Company markets BREVAGenplus to healthcare professionals in comprehensive breast health care and imaging centers, as well as to obstetricians/gynecologists (OBGYNs) and breast cancer risk assessment specialists (such as breast surgeons).
For more information, please visit http://www.BREVAGenplus.com.
1 Oeffinger KC, Fontham EH, Etzioni R, et al. Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Average Risk: 2015 Guideline Update From the American Cancer Society. JAMA.2015;314(15):1599-1614. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.12783.
BREVAGenplus(R) Offers a Solution to Physicians Concerned About the Revised Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS)
| Source: Genetic Technologies Group