Recent studies show a rise in younger people being diagnosed with cancer. A BMJ Oncology study revealed that between 1990 and 2019 cancer rates worldwide have risen 79% in people under the age of 50. A 2023
“Using these reports to understand your likelihood to develop common cancers is an important step toward further integrating genetics into healthcare,” said
The new reports released today were developed by 23andMe scientists and clinical experts, using the Company’s massive database of genetic and health information contributed by consented research participants. 23andMe now offers over 40 PRS reports, which utilize machine learning to analyze the complex interplay of thousands of genetic variants linked to specific conditions or diseases.
23andMe’s New Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer PRS Reports
The new 23andMe PRS reports focus on some of the most common cancers for which genetics are often a factor, noting where some customers may have an increased likelihood of developing these conditions relative to average. This is important because averages can mask large differences – some people have a higher chance of developing cancer and some a slightly lower chance, due to genetics and other factors. Importantly, healthy lifestyle habits can offset an increased genetic likelihood for developing these diseases, while routine screening can help with early detection.
- On average 1 in 8 females will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
- On average 1 in 8 males will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime
- On average 1 in 25 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime
Depending on the type of cancer PRS report and individuals’ ethnicity, up to 5-to-30 percent of current 23andMe+ Premium and 23andMe+
“The hope is that this information will help more people, alerting them to a chance of developing the disease that they might not have known otherwise,” said Abul-Husn.
There are limitations with these reports. Availability of the breast cancer and prostate cancer PRS reports is based on self-reported birth sex. These new reports do not diagnose the conditions, do not describe a person’s overall likelihood for developing the conditions, and they do not include all genetic variants, including those linked to hereditary cancer syndromes, that may be associated with risks for these conditions. Further, the new colorectal cancer report is only available for those of European and Latino/Hispanic descent, as there is not yet enough data to provide a result for those of other ethnicities - a historical issue with genetic research and polygenic scores at large. In fact, research shows more than 80 percent of genetic studies are conducted in people of European descent*.
To help address this issue, 23andMe has launched the Genetic insights into colorectal cancer in the Black community study, welcoming individuals with African ancestry and / or identifying as Black or
The PRS models on which the new 23andMe reports are based were developed using the 23andMe database, and further validated using an external database. Full details on the models can be found in this white paper.
To learn more about the new 23andMe PRS reports on cancer, and becoming a 23andMe+ Premium member, visit https://www.23andme.com/membership/.
*Popejoy et al. Nature 2016; Martin et al.
About 23andMe
23andMe is a genetics-led consumer healthcare and therapeutics company empowering a healthier future. For more information, please visit investors.23andme.com.
Forward Looking Statements
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