Patient information on over 100 genes linked to an increased risk of cancer is to be collected in a bid to identify those most at risk and automatically invite them to screening and routine tests, NHS England has announced as a major part of its national cancer plan.
Around 120 cancer susceptibility genes will be covered by a new ‘world-first’ central registry, the NHS National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register, which 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.
NHS genomic testing is offered to people with cancer or with a family history of cancer, and those identified as having an inherited risk of cancer will be added to the single central register.
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, NHS England said.
It also said that the register could help identify thousands of men with known BRCA gene mutations who could benefit from screening for prostate cancer, if the UK National Screening Committee confirms its draft recommendation for this screening strategy.
Prior to being added to the registry, 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.
Early cancer detection and prevention
Expanding the use of genomic testing was outlined in last year’s NHS 10-year plan, with the aim of creating risk scores as part of a new genomics population health service by 2035.
The creation of the NHS National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register follows on from the Lynch syndrome register, which has ensured people diagnosed with Lynch syndrome are identified and offered routine preventative screening.
Commenting on the plans, NHS England clinical director for cancer Professor Peter Johnson said: ‘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.
He added: ‘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.’
NHS England has also announced it is reducing the level at which traces of blood in a FIT test trigger further investigation for bowel cancer, as well as eliminating illegal underage sunbed use to reduce melanoma skin cancer risks in teenagers.
A version of this article was originally published by our sister publication Pulse.