Genetic tests for cancer on NHS to help families detect ‘Jolie’ gene
Tens of thousands of patients will be able to check whether they are at risk of developing cancer as the NHS creates a first-of-its-kind database for genes linked to the disease.
The health service said it had created a registry of 120 genes known to increase the chances of getting cancer as part of a 10-year plan to improve prevention and treatment of the disease.
These include the “Jolie” gene, named after actress Angelina Jolie, who had preventive surgery after learning she had a genetically high risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Family members of cancer patients, as well as people with cancer, can compare their genes with those in the database, allowing for earlier screening and more personalized treatments.
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: “We are entering a new era of cancer prevention with pioneering research and testing that helps us discover more about how genes affect our chances of getting cancer – and this register could help ensure screening, testing and the latest treatments are offered to thousands more people.
“Finding out you have a hereditary risk of cancer can be life-changing, but it also supports people accessing tailored advice on risk-reducing steps and vital monitoring to increase the chances of any cancer being detected early or even preventing the disease altogether.”
NHS England said the NHS National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register (NICPR) follows successful Lynch syndrome registries, which have enabled thousands of people diagnosed with Lynch syndrome to be identified and offered routine preventive screening.
Those at risk of hereditary cancer will be added to the registry and automatically invited for screening and offered routine testing. The database can be used to accelerate access to earlier screening and testing, as well as access to personalized treatment for thousands of patients. Patients may also be tested to determine whether their genetic profile means their cancer will be more sensitive to certain treatments.
Health Minister Wes Streeting welcomed the preventative approach. He said: “One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, but that doesn’t mean the chance is random; many people face a higher risk because of the genes they inherit.
“And although we can’t do anything about the inherited genes, we can do something about what to do with that information.”
He said the program was part of efforts to “modernise our NHS to make it fit for the 21st century”.
He added: “By launching this world-leading genetic registry for people with genetic conditions at increased risk of cancer, we can deliver personalized and preventive care sooner.
“This register will not only power innovation, it will be life-changing and life-saving, allowing the NHS to develop personalized care, rapid screening and tailored information to ensure more cancers are caught earlier.”
Claire Rowney, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said the system had the potential to “change lives”.
