How genomics testing is helping fight cancer
Our hospitals are using genetic testing in cancer patients to target treatments and find families who may have a higher risk of developing cancer.
In line with nationally approved pathways, this testing looks at either, or both the patients’ blood and cancer tissue to help doctors understand the best ways to treat and protect them.
Southend, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals are currently offering these tests for several types of cancer, including breast, prostate and ovarian cancers.
Liz Lawrence is Regional Lead for the Genomic Clinical Practitioner Service, which promotes the use of genomic testing in the fight against cancer.
She says genomics is making a difference to cancer patients and their families, and is helping to save lives.
A number of national projects have now been rolled out across the East of England, and at the Trust. This includes the National Jewish BRCA Programme.
Around 1 in 40 people of Jewish ancestry are likely to carry a BRCA gene alteration, compared with around 1 in 400 in the general population.
This programme helps people who may be at higher risk and, where appropriate, offers support and advice to help them reduce that risk.
Liz said: “We adopted a targeted approach by writing to all synagogues across the region, recognising the higher population density of Jewish ancestry within mid and south Essex.
“This engagement led to invitations to attend community events, where we were able to liaise directly with members of the public and provide information about the programme.”
Liz says the first step was to find out how widely genomics was being used across the East of England region, including at the Trust.
The team then looked at how it could support and promote genetic testing - identifying families and communities who may be more at risk.
In future, most cancer treatments are expected to be guided by results from genomic testing.