|
Breast Cancer Network Australia is delighted to announce that Genetic Technologies (GTG) will not enforce their licence over the genetic test for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes in Australia.
BCNA advocated strongly against an earlier decision to enforce their licence, making it clear to the company that such a decision may adversely affect women accessing these tests.
The GTG Board will now honour their original decision to allow other laboratories in Australia to freely perform BRCA testing.
This means that women wishing to undertake genetic testing can still do so through a Family Cancer Clinic, where they will first receive genetic counselling and information.
This decision ensures that women can continue to access timely, cost-efficient gene testing.
We congratulate GTG on taking a principled stance on this issue.
We have linked the announcement that GTG made to the Australia Stock Exchange on 2 December 2008:  Genetic Technologies New Position on BRCA Testing 37.12 Kb
BCNA's Family History and Hereditary Breast Cancer position statement outlines the issues associated with genetic testing that are important to women. This statement is based on the outcomes of our Still Making a Difference national conference for women with breast cancer, attended by six hundred women in Melbourne 2004.
BCNA's Family History and Hereditary Breast Cancer fact sheet provides further information about when family history may be important in breast cancer risk, and the options available for women who have concerns about a strong family history.
Women seeking further information about genetic testing and contact details for family cancer clinics, can telephone the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Last updated 4 December 2008
|
Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 
