Genetic testing for cancer is announced

The pioneering test is aimed at cancer patients’ family members to see if they are at risk of developing the same disease.

10:12 23 May 2013

Following Angelina Jolie’s admission that she had double mastectomy after it was found she had 87per cent chances of getting breast cancer, genetic testing for cancer has been announced. This is for the family members of cancer patients to see if they’re also at risk of developing the same disease.

Through the test, doctors can easily take preventive measures, such as what Angelina Jolie did, to at least to lower the risk of getting different types of cancer. 

The testing will be run by the Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden hospital in London.

 

Prof Nazneen Rahman, lead investigator of the programme said, as quoted by the BBC: "It is very important to know if a mutation in a person's genetic blueprint has caused their cancer.

 

"It allows more personalised treatment, so for example such people are often at risk of getting another cancer and may choose to have more comprehensive surgery, or may need different medicines, or extra monitoring."

 

Meanwhile, Prof Martin Gore, the medical director of the Royal Marsden, described the initiative as “exciting change of practice.” He added that patients are ready for the revolutionary test.