NHS England to develop ‘world-first’ gene database to help thousands at risk of inherited cancer

Thousands of people at risk of inherited cancer could be regularly checked thanks to a ‘world-first’ programme developed by NHS England.

The health service said it is building a register of 120 genes known to increase the likelihood of getting cancer – the first of its kind – as part of a 10-year plan to improve the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Family members of cancer patients, as well as people who have cancer, could have their genes compared to the database, allowing for earlier screening and more personalised treatments.

Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England said the health service is entering ‘a new era of cancer prevention’.

He said the register ‘could help ensure thousands more people can be offered screening, tests and the latest treatments’.

Cancer patients and their family members could have their genes compared to the database in order to detect the disease.

This would allow for regular checks, earlier screening, more personalised treatments and check if a person’s cancer might be more receptive to particular treatments.

‘One in every two people will get cancer in their lifetime,’ the health secretary said, adding that many may be at higher risk through inherited faulty genes.

He said harnessing information gathered by research into inherited genes may help to improve cancer prevention.

‘By launching this world-leading genetic register for people with genetic conditions with an increased risk of cancer, we can provide personalised and preventative care sooner,’ he said.

‘This register won’t just supercharge innovation – it will be life-changing and life-saving, allowing the NHS to develop individual care, fast-track screening and tailored information to enable more cancers to be caught earlier.’

Meanwhile, leading doctors have praised the programme for stepping in the right direction for cancer prevention.

Professor Johnson said: ‘We are entering a new era of cancer prevention 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.’

The groundbreaking register comes after the successful Lynch syndrome register, which helped offer routine preventative screening to thousands who have been identified with the condition, NHS England said.

Claire Rowney, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, has welcomed the new system, adding that the charity has long called for a programme of this nature.

‘We are delighted to see the UK Government commit to creating a comprehensive national database for people at an increased risk of cancer, to facilitate better access to earlier, more frequent screening and to risk-reducing treatments,’ she said.

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