NHS cancer gene database to identify patients at risk

"People will be able to have their genetic information compared to the world-first register of 120 genes known to increase the likelihood of getting cancer, NHS England has said. Those identified as having an inherited risk will be offered routine check-ups and screening for certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Patients could also be tested to see whether they would respond better to particular treatments, allowing for personalised care."

"Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the "life-changing and life-saving" tool would fast-track screening and allow more cancers to be caught sooner. Tens of thousands of cancer patients and those with a family history of the disease already undergo genetic testing on the NHS every year. Those known to have a higher risk profile will be added to the new register. They will be given tailored information about what they can do to lower their chance of developing cancer or detect it early."

"NHS England's national cancer director told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it was "the first time any health care system has brought together all the information about all the genetic risk into a single place." Prof Peter Johnson said it pulled together the tests patients were already offered to check their cancer susceptibility into a single register, "so that we can contact people to offer them screening and in some cases preventative treatment"."

NHS England is creating a national register of 120 genes linked to increased cancer risk and will compare patients' genetic information to that register. Individuals found to have inherited risk will be offered routine check-ups, targeted screening for cancers such as breast and prostate, and testing to identify likely treatment responses for personalized care. Those with higher risk profiles will be added to the register and receive tailored advice on risk reduction and early detection. The register forms part of a 10-year plan to improve cancer prevention and treatment and will enable clinicians to offer screening, preventive options, and new tests while maintaining confidentiality.

Read at www.bbc.com