DNA testing at GP practices will detect the risk of cancer early and save lives
Britons could get DNA tests to check their cancer risk from a GP within two years, scientists say.
A groundbreaking British study has found that one in four people are born with genes that increase the risk of cancer or fatal heart problems.
Experts say scanning the full DNA of patients in NHS clinics could spot danger long before a disease starts and save thousands of lives every year.
Study leader Professor Ros Eeles from the Institute of Cancer Research said: “This could put us at the beginning of a revolution in healthcare.
“Whole genome sequencing in primary care could change the way most patients and their families are managed by their GPs.”
Genome tests check for genes linked to serious diseases by looking for mutations in a DNA sample from blood or skin.
Patients with red flags can be scanned or tested more often to catch illness early.
One woman in the study even had her ovaries removed after discovering she had a high risk of cancer.
Prof Eeles added: “It will be really good to empower patients.
“We have spoken to NHS England and we want to try and get it into the NHS.
“We're talking about probably two years to conduct a larger study and then five years to roll out – but that's definitely coming. It may possibly be part of your first GP registration.
The scientists hope to get the cost of the test below £1,000 per person by making it faster and easier.
Their research, unveiled at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, found that 26 of 102 patients at a GP in London had high-risk gene mutations.
About half of the changes were related to cancer, and others increased the risk of blood clots or unreliable heart rhythms.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Genomics is changing the future of healthcare.
“This study demonstrates the potential of genome sequencing to enable patients with life-changing diseases to receive an early diagnosis simply by visiting their GP in the future.
“It has the potential to save lives by increasing the detection and prevention of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.”
Experts searched from a list of 566 gene changes to select “actionable” changes where doctors can reduce the risks with additional testing or medical attention.
Six in ten people had risky genes that did not make them sick but could be inherited by their children.
Dr. Michael Sandberg, a GP at 90 Sloane Street in London, where the research was carried out, added: “We hope we can also prevent many genetic conditions from being passed on to future children and grandchildren.”