BRIGHT Consortium partners from Tartu University Hospital presented the results of the Estonian arm at the ESMO Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. An abstract titled “The feasibility of polygenic risk score-based population screening for breast cancer: The experience from the BRIGHT study in Estonia” was presented by Anni Lepland.

One-fifth of breast cancer cases occur in women under the age of 50. Across Europe, the current challenge is that women under 50 are not typically screened for breast cancer. However, women at increased risk should begin screening earlier.

The Estonian branch of the BRIGHT consortium introduced a new service model for genetic risk-based screening. This model incorporates clinical-grade polygenic risk score testing for all women. Those identified as high risk are referred for additional screening, with the start and frequency of mammograms tailored to individual risk. The service also includes consultations with medical geneticists and single-gene testing for women with a family history of cancer.

Feedback from participants and healthcare professionals has been positive. The study also confirmed that personalised breast cancer screening can effectively involve women through multiple channels, including online telemedicine, GP practices, breast clinics, and pharmacies.