NHS England has unveiled plans to develop a groundbreaking genetic database that will transform cancer prevention and treatment across the United Kingdom. This world-first initiative will create a comprehensive register of 120 genes known to significantly increase cancer risk, marking a major advancement in personalised healthcare.
A New Era in Cancer Prevention
The health service confirmed it is building this pioneering register as part of its ambitious 10-year strategy to improve cancer outcomes. The database will enable tens of thousands of patients and their family members to determine whether they carry genetic markers that elevate their cancer risk, allowing for earlier intervention and more targeted treatments.
Personalised Care Through Genetic Insight
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, emphasised the transformative potential of this initiative. "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," he stated. "This register could help ensure thousands more people can be offered screening, tests and the latest treatments."
Professor Johnson further explained that while discovering an inherited cancer risk can be life-altering, it also empowers individuals with crucial information. "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."
Building on Previous Success
The NHS National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register follows the successful implementation of the Lynch syndrome register, which has already identified thousands of individuals with this genetic condition and ensured they receive routine preventative screening. Under the new system, those identified as having inherited cancer risks will be automatically added to the register and invited for appropriate screening and testing.
Government Support for Genetic Innovation
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has strongly endorsed the database plan, telling The Daily Telegraph that this initiative represents a crucial step in modernising healthcare. "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," he noted. "And while we cannot do anything about inherited genes we can do something about what we do with that information."
Mr Streeting described the programme as part of broader efforts "to modernise our NHS so it is fit for the 21st century." He added with conviction: "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. 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."
Transforming Patient Outcomes
The comprehensive database promises to expedite access to earlier screening and testing while facilitating personalised treatment approaches for thousands of patients. Additionally, genetic profiling could help determine whether particular cancers would respond better to specific treatments based on individual genetic makeup.
Charity Response and Future Potential
Claire Rowney, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm. "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. "This is something Breast Cancer Now has been calling for, and it has the potential to transform the lives of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer due to their family history or genetics."
Ms Rowney emphasised the importance of accessibility and integration, stating: "The database must be accessible to all clinicians and be designed to make sure everyone at an increased risk of breast cancer receives joined up care, and the support they are eligible for." She expressed eagerness to collaborate with researchers and clinical teams, adding: "We look forward to hearing more detail, and to working together to make faster progress and ensure everyone at increased risk of breast cancer has access to more effective information, diagnosis and treatment."
The charity leader concluded by affirming their commitment to supporting the government's forthcoming National Cancer Plan for England, highlighting how this genetic database represents a significant step toward more proactive and personalised cancer care nationwide.
