Dawn of the DNA health revolution

Test as tot could predict disease risk

A REVOLUTIONARY DNA test at birth could help millions of people avoid deadly diseases.

“Whole genomic sequencing” has been done on 100,000 volunteers which lets researchers diagnose lifelong risk of cancers and predict how tumours will react to treatment.

The sequencing could also spot risks of diseases including Parkinson’s, Crohn’s, arthritis and asthma.

Scientists say the test, currently £500 per head, could become routine and replace the current heel prick test at birth.

Genes from every child could also be sampled in a bid to find a cancer cure.

Such large-scale genome sequencing is a world first for the NHS.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Sequencing the 100,000th genome is a milestone in healthcare of the future.

“Britain has led the world again today as we map a course to sequencing a million genomes. Understanding the human code is part of our mission to help patients live longer, healthier lives.”

Current DNA tests on the NHS look for a specific mutation but whole sequencing can spot 17 cancers and 12,000 other diseases.

The project began in 2012 and 4,000 of the 100,000 volunteers had unexplained diseases diagnosed.

Some 5,000 had cancers diagnosed and were given more effective treatments.

DNA sequencing of five million Britons will happen in the next five years, including the whole genomic test on one million volunteers.

Sir John Chisholm, of Genomics England, which leads the project, said: “The results will be felt for many generations as benefits of genomic medicine unfold.

“It should become routine that your health record will contain some form of genomic test.”

ANY doctor will tell you that prevention is better than cure.

That is why rolling out DNA tests at birth could transform the health of Britain.

This simple procedure will allow doctors to diagnose which patients are at risk of cancer and other diseases.

It means people at risk of certain cancers could alter their diet or take pills so they never develop it.

In the age of data hacks it is obviously essential this information is protected and not abused for commercial purposes.

But we should not run scared of science when it has the potential to save so many lives.