Thousands at risk of inherited cancers to receive regular NHS checks through world-first genetics programme
Thousands of people at higher risk of developing cancer due to inherited faulty genes will be regularly checked and tracked by the NHS thanks to a first-of-its-kind national genetics programme.
The world-first genetic register, developed by the NHS, will collect patient information on over 100 genes linked to an increased risk of cancer, with plans for it to help fast-track thousands more people to screening and testing, while speeding up access to personalised therapy and trials.
Ahead of the government’s landmark new National Cancer Plan, England’s top cancer doctor said the genetic register comes as part of “a new era of early cancer detection” to help thousands more people to access tailored information, testing and risk-reducing interventions.
Genomic testing is offered by the NHS Genomic Medicine Service for people with cancer and those with a family history of cancer, with tens of thousands accessing it each year.
Those identified by the NHS as having an inherited risk of cancer will be added to the single central register, and for people with changes in certain genes such as BRCA, they will be automatically invited to screening and offered routine tests for certain cancers, including breast cancer.
This could soon help identify thousands of men between the ages of 45-61 with known BRCA gene mutations who are at high risk of prostate cancer, and who could benefit if the UK National Screening Committee make a final recommendation on screening for prostate cancer in men with a BRCA variant, and that recommendation is accepted by the Secretary of State.
Around 120 cancer susceptibility genes will be covered by the national genomics registry and will include patients diagnosed with cancer who have been found to have inherited faulty genes, as well as patients found to have susceptible genes variants but do not have cancer.
Patients tested via the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and Clinical Genetic services will be informed of their diagnosis and provided with information around the associated cancer risks and tailored information about what they can do to lower their chance of developing cancer or detect it early, prior to being added to the registry.
Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in the NHS, said: “Genomics is becoming an integral part of how we diagnose and treat cancer across the NHS.
“Through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, genetic testing is already offered where it provides clear clinical benefit, and the 10 Year Health Plan sets out a clear ambition to embed genomics more routinely across care pathways. The National Cancer Plan will build on that work, strengthening how genomic testing is used across cancer treatment and individual patient journeys.
“By bringing inherited cancer risk information together in a single national programme, we can support more systematic follow-up, improve the targeting of screening and surveillance, and ensure genomic insights are used more effectively to support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.”
