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What is significant about this type of screening test?
To date, all tests for breast cancer are based directly on the examination of the breast (either by imaging or by palpation). Some other cancers are tested using samples from patients (such as serum) which contain 'biomarkers' (e.g. proteins) that appear when the specific cancer is present in the body. One example is testing blood for the presence of PSA in prostate cancer.
The Fermiscan Test is a type of biomarker test, as it uses a sample (hair) from a patient that is remote from the site of the potential cancer. As with all biomarker-based tests, if an abnormal result is found further investigation is required to confirm the diagnosis (imaging and possible biopsy of any suspicious lumps).
Preliminary data to date shows that an additional application of the test could be in monitoring the treatment of breast cancer after surgery to remove the tumor.
Can you take a man's hair also?
Breast cancer can also develop in men, although this is rare. Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers. There is no theoretical reason why breast cancer in men should result in a different effect on the hair, however Fermiscan has not conducted sufficient studies to confirm the effectiveness of the breast cancer test in men.
Can the Fermiscan Test detect all types of breast cancer?
The Fermiscan Test has detected the common types of breast cancer, including high grade DCIS, invasive lobular, invasive ductal and phyllodes. However, to date not every patient with these conditions gives a positive result, for reasons which are still under investigation (see Accuracy of the Test).
How early can the test detect breast cancer?
We will not know this for several years when sufficient time has elapsed to determine the true false positive rate.
Can the test be used for monitoring breast cancer recurrance following treatment?
Preliminary studies indicate that the technology has the potential to monitor the recurrence of breast cancer following treatment (International Journal of Cancer 2008 [4]) and may assist in improving the accuracy of mammography when used in conjunction with the Fermiscan Test. Fermiscan will research this possibility as part of the development program.
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions on the Fermiscan Test
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