NHS genetics programme to track people at risk of inherited cancer

People at higher risk of developing cancer because of inherited genes will be regularly checked and tracked by the NHS under a national genetics programme.

The NHS Genomics Population Health Service, outlined in the 10 year health plan will support the expansion of genomic testing for high-risk groups over the next decade.

A genetic register will collect patient information on more than 100 genes linked to an increased risk of cancer to fast-track people to screening, testing, therapy, and trials.

Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: “We are entering a new era of early cancer detection with pioneering research and testing helping us to discover more about how genes influence our chances of developing cancer – and this register could help ensure thousands more people can be offered screening, tests, and the latest treatments.

“Finding out you have an inherited risk of cancer can be life-changing, but it also supports people to access tailored advice on risk-reducing steps and vital monitoring, to increase the chances of any cancers being picked up early or even preventing the disease altogether.

“As we look to the future of cancer care with our upcoming National Cancer Plan, we know we must continue to find ways to prevent cancers from reaching late stage and this programme will be an important part of helping us save more lives.”

Genomic testing is offered by the NHS for people with cancer and those with a family history of cancer, with tens of thousands accessing it each year.

Those identified as having an inherited risk of cancer will be added to the single central register, and people with changes in certain genes will be automatically invited to screening and offered  tests for certain cancers, including breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Wes Streeting, health secretary, said: “One in every two people will get cancer in their lifetime but that does not mean the chances are random – many people face a higher risk through the genes they inherit.

“And while we cannot do anything about inherited genes we can do something about what we do with that information.”

Around 120 cancer susceptibility genes will be covered by the national genomics registry, which will include patients diagnosed with cancer who have been found to have inherited faulty genes, as well as patients with susceptible genes variants who 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.

Meanwhile, a study led by Genomics England in partnership with NHSE, is running at almost 50 NHS hospitals, as part of nationwide plans to screen 100,000 babies for more than 200 rare genetic conditions at birth.