KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Public-listed healthcare company, Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC), and its subsidiary, pathology services company Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Clinipath) today announced the availability of Dtect BRCA+, an affordable genetic screening test that examines key genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.
 
Breast and ovarian cancers are two of the most common cancers affecting adult women. Symptoms for breast cancer may include swelling of all or part of a breast, skin irritation, thickening of the nipple or breast skin and abnormal nipple discharge. Symptoms for ovarian cancer may include abdominal bloating, indigestion, increased urge to urinate, constipation and menstrual irregularities.
 
In 2018, the Ministry of Health Malaysia published the MySCan study on cancer incidence and survival rates. From the study, the incidence was observed at any age above 40 years. The mortality rate is 43.3% for breast cancer and 52.9% for ovarian cancer. Most importantly, the study found that early detection and treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer (at Stage 1) led to a 5-year relative survival rate of 87.5% and 82.8% respectively.
 
Genetic screening can identify genetic predispositions to hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. Positive results from Dtect BRCA+ may identify a need for regular, pathology surveillance to catch either of these diseases early when they are easiest to treat. Positive results may also be useful to encourage positive lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk of hereditary breast cancer or ovarian cancer from occurring.
 
MGRC and Clinipath continue to work together to make comprehensive pathology services, and the latest in genetic testing available to doctors with a view to improving the lives of patients in Malaysia and the region.
 
About Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad
 
MGRC was a pioneer in genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and genetic screening services. Since 2004, MGRC had developed extensive pipelines in the sequencing and analysis of human, animal, plant and microbial genomes for clients worldwide. Today, MGRC is focused on merging the latest in genetic testing with pathology to enable doctors to provide personalised healthcare for their patients.
 
About Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

Clinipath is one of Malaysia’s largest independent pathology service providers with a nationwide network of 18 branches. It offers a complete range of fast, accurate and reliable pathology testing services. It has been ISO 15189 accredited since 2010. Clinipath is a wholly-owned subsidiary of public-listed MGRC. 
 
Source: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shawn Keng
Tel: +6014-9685808
Email: enquiries@mgrc.com.my
 
--BERNAMA