Corrie star ‘who beat cancer’ dies at 78
A REVOLUTIONARY DNA test at birth could help millions of people avoid deadly diseases.
Researchers have carried out a map of the genetic material of 100,000 volunteers to diagnose their lifelong risk of cancers.
And data taken from five million Britons over the next five years will help decide how to best treat tumours and predict their reaction to surgery or chemotherapy.
The test, which costs about £500, also means people at risk of a certain cancer can alter their diet or take pills so they never develop it.
Scientists say the gene sequencing could become routine and one day replace the current heel prick test at birth to screen for nine conditions. It could lead to genes from every child being sampled in a bid to find a cancer cure.
The Government says the NHS is the world’s first healthcare system to role out sequencing the human genome on such a scale.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Sequencing the 100,000th genome is a major milestone in the route to the healthcare of the future.
“Britain has led the world in this amazing technology and we do so again today as we map a course to sequencing a million genomes. Understanding the human code on such a scale is part of our mission to provide truly personalised care to help patients live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
Patients
The DNA sequencing of five million Britons will include the comprehensive whole genomic test on one million of the volunteers.
Many tumours will not spread but it is difficult to know which are harmless and which will become deadly. Biopsies, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can sometimes do more harm than good.
Anonymised DNA data from the patients along with their medical history will allow computers to predict how a tumour will react to various treatments.
Sir John Chisholm, chair of Genomics England which leads the project launched in 2012, said: “The results of this will be felt for many generations to come as the benefits of genomic medicine in the UK unfold.
“It should become routine at some point that your health record will contain some form of genomic test.”
DNA tests are already carried out on the NHS for a specific genetic mutation or risk.
Whole genomic sequencing tests are different as they look for mutations linked to 17 different cancers and 12,000 other diseases.
Since the 100,000 Genomes Project was launched in 2012 about 4,000 of the volunteers had rare unexplained diseases diagnosed for the first time. A further 5,000 diagnosed with cancers got more effective treatment.
Since 2002 when the first human genome was sequenced the cost has plummeted from £25billion to £500. CORONATION STREET star Peter Armitage has died aged 78, four years after revealing he had beaten bowel cancer.
The popular actor, who played Kevin Webster’s dad Bill, even talked of a return to the cobbles.
But friend and co-star Charlie Lawson revealed on Twitter: “It’s with great sadness that I’ve to tell you my great old friend Pete Armitage has died. RIP mate.”
And the cast paid tribute to Yorkshireman Bill.
Simon Gregson said: “I loved Pete, a lovely man very sad. RIP.”
Jane Danson added: “So sorry to hear this, lovely man. Thoughts to family and friends.”
Maria Longchambon said: “So sorry to hear this, Charlie. Pete was such a lovely man.. he’ll be sadly missed.”
And Georgia Taylor posted: “Aw sad news, Charlie. He was a lovely man.”
The actor said in 2014 when was in remission: “I’ve put my life on hold for the past few months, but hopefully next month I’d like to get back to work again.
“It’s 30 years since I first started on the cobbles and I’ve always come in and out.” Peter first appeared in 1984. His character, retired builder Bill, had a heart attack in Corrie shortly before he was diagnosed with cancer in real life.
And the star urged others to see their doctors if they notice any symptoms.
He said: “Get to the doctor straight away. Don’t let embarrassment put you off because embarrassment with cancer could kill you.”
He is survived by his two children Danny and Sally.