Millions of adults will be offered a DNA test at the GP’s doctor’s office to detect their risk of cancer and heart disease under plans for a “health revolution.”
One study found that one in four people carry potentially harmful genetic mutations that can be detected by a simple blood sample.
British scientists have developed a way to detect “actionable” mutations in patients: defective genes that increase the risk of disease, but can be mitigated by lifestyle or treatment.
For example, patients with a high cholesterol-related gene may receive statins at a young age, while women with the BRCA breast cancer gene may be offered a preventive mastectomy.
The study’s leader, Professor Ros Eeles of the Cancer Research Institute