A project co-financed with the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
User: OPTILAB – Capitale Nationale and Illumina Canada
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Quebec and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. A biennial mammography screening is offered to all women aged 50 to 74. However, for women at higher risk due to family history or hereditary genetic predisposition, earlier or more intensive monitoring, or even preventive surgery, may be considered.
Integrating genomic data, such as the polygenic risk score, in addition to other risk factors, would allow for a better assessment of the cancer risk in these women, nearly half of whom are at increased risk. This would offer a more personalized approach, tailored to their actual breast cancer risk. Women at high risk would receive enhanced monitoring, enabling earlier cancer detection, improving their prognosis and quality of life, while avoiding unnecessary screening for those at low risk.
To this end, we will validate a genetic analysis of the risk score at the CHU de Québec laboratory and integrate it into the oncogenetics clinic. Ultimately, this approach will be implemented within the healthcare system in Quebec.