Cancers
1 in 4 Malaysians are affected by cancer — we aim to reduce that percentage.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is less common than breast or cervical cancer, but it’s more lethal because unlike those two cancers where screening can aid in early detection, there isn’t an effective tool for ovarian cancer screening.
Our Ovarian Cancer Research team here at CRM aims to:
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Develop affordable genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
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Identify those who are at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer in order to provide a more effective and personalised prevention
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Mainstream cancer genetics in Malaysia
How we’ve made a difference
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Completed research showing that 1 in 9 ovarian cancers may be due to inherited alterations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. This information is now incorporated into the clinical guidelines for Malaysian doctors, and plays an important role in the development of cancer genetic services in Malaysia.
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Contributed to the discovery of more than 30 genetic loci implicated in increased risk to ovarian cancer. This was made possible thanks to the many researchers from all over the world who worked collaboratively to study thousands of ovarian cancer patients and healthy women. The Malaysian ovarian cancer genetics study has made a significant contribution since it is only one of a handful of studies focused on Asians.
What we’re doing now
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Ms Yoon Sook-Yee and her team are collaborating with doctors and nurses from 21 Malaysian hospitals to roll out genetics services in oncology and gynaecology clinics in all parts of Malaysia. This national programme aims to ensure advances in cancer genetics will be available to all Malaysians, regardless of their income or place of living.
More On Ovarian Cancer