A New Era of Early Cancer Detection: NHS Launches Pioneering Genetics Programme
The NHS has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative that promises to transform the landscape of cancer care in the United Kingdom. A world-first genetic register, developed by the NHS, is set to usher in what England's top cancer doctor describes as "a new era of early cancer detection." This ambitious programme aims to provide thousands of people at higher risk of developing cancer due to inherited faulty genes with regular checks, tailored information, and faster access to screening and personalised therapies.
The Scope and Scale of the National Genetic Register
At the heart of this initiative is the NHS National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register, a multi-gene database managed by NHS England's National Disease Registration Service. This register will collect and centralise patient information on over 100 genes linked to an increased risk of cancer. It is designed to cover around 120 cancer susceptibility genes, encompassing both patients diagnosed with cancer who have inherited faulty genes and those found to have susceptible gene variants but do not currently have cancer.
The programme builds upon the successful model of the Lynch syndrome register, which has already ensured that thousands of individuals diagnosed with this condition receive routine preventative screening. Lynch syndrome increases the risk of developing certain cancers, including bowel, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Remarkably, screening prevents between 40 and 60 out of every 100 people with Lynch syndrome from developing bowel cancer, with more than 12,000 people having already benefited from additional bowel screening through this existing register.
How the Programme Will Operate and Benefit Patients
Individuals identified by the NHS as having an inherited risk of cancer will be added to this single central register. For those with changes in specific genes, such as BRCA, the system will automatically invite them to screening and offer routine tests for certain cancers, including breast cancer. This proactive approach could soon extend to identifying thousands of men aged 45-61 with known BRCA gene mutations who are at high risk of prostate cancer, pending final recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee.
Patients tested via the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and clinical genetic services will be informed of their diagnosis and provided with comprehensive information about associated cancer risks. They will also receive tailored advice on steps they can take to lower their chance of developing cancer or detect it at an early, more treatable stage. This personalised care model is a cornerstone of the programme, emphasising prevention and early intervention.
Integration with Broader Health Strategies
The launch of this genetic register comes ahead of the government's landmark new National Cancer Plan, scheduled for release next month. Expanding the use of genomic testing to identify people at risk of certain cancers and enabling more cancers to be caught earlier will be a major component of this plan, which aims to modernise cancer care for future generations.
Furthermore, the NHS Genomics Population Health Service, as outlined in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, will support the expansion of genomic testing for high-risk groups over the next decade. This long-term commitment underscores the NHS's dedication to embedding genomics more routinely across care pathways and strengthening how genomic testing is used in cancer treatment and individual patient journeys.
Leadership Perspectives on the Programme's Impact
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting highlighted the programme's potential, stating, "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." He emphasised that the register would provide personalised and preventative care sooner, describing it as "life changing and life-saving."
Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in the NHS, noted, "Genomics is becoming an integral part of how we diagnose and treat cancer across the NHS." She explained that by consolidating inherited cancer risk information in a single national programme, the NHS can support more systematic follow-up, improve the targeting of screening and surveillance, and ensure genomic insights are used more effectively to support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, added, "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." He stressed that finding out about an inherited risk of cancer can be life-changing, enabling access to tailored advice on risk-reducing steps and vital monitoring to increase the chances of early detection or even prevention.
This world-first genetic register represents a significant leap forward in the fight against cancer, leveraging cutting-edge genomics to deliver more proactive, personalised, and preventative care. By identifying those at highest risk and ensuring they receive timely interventions, the NHS aims to save more lives and reduce the burden of late-stage cancer diagnoses for generations to come.
