(This story first appeared on the Eve Appeal's website.)
www.eveappeal.org.uk
The Eve Appeal is delighted to announce the publication today (Sunday 2nd August 2009) in leading research journal Nature Genetics of a new research paper. Lead author of the research is Dr Simon Gayther of the Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre at UCL, whose work The Eve Appeal supports. The research shows that Dr Gayther and scientists worldwide working together have located a region of DNA which, when altered, can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The mother of David Lammy MP, Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual Property, Rose Lammy, carried both risk alleles of the new genetic marker that researchers have identified. Mrs Lammy, who died of ovarian cancer in 2008, was at increased risk of ovarian cancer during her life compared to the general population. Says Mr Lammy, "I am pleased that Mum's sample was included in this study as it is one step towards earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer when treatment is more successful. We now know the fact that she had this altered DNA meant that her lifetime risk had risen from 10 in 1,000 to 14 in 1,000, an increase of 40% compared to those women who don't carry this DNA variation. "But what we - and I am sure other families who have been affected by the loss of their mum, sister or wife - hope in the future is that routine genetic risk testing could be available to everyone and lead to more effective early detection. "I know in my Mum's case ovarian cancer was diagnosed at an advanced stage - she had a tumour the size of a grapefruit by the time she was diagnosed - and we were all amazed that it went undetected for so long. "Mum would be very moved if she knew that by talking about her I can raise awareness of ovarian cancer and the need for the type of research funded by The Eve Appeal. Results like this show that there is hope for a future where women will be diagnosed earlier and lives saved." Jane Lyons, Director of The Eve Appeal says, "We are delighted with this research as better understanding of risk factors for ovarian cancer takes us one step nearer earlier diagnosis of the disease, when treatment is more likely to have a successful outcome." The charity has supported this work with funding levels in excess of £850,000. To read more about the research please click here To read more about Rose Lammy please click here To hear Dr Gayther explain the importance of this work click here
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