NHS aims to offer genome sequencing checks at birth

ALL children will be able to receive whole genome sequencing at birth, under ambitions laid out by the Health Secretary.

Matt Hancock said that in future the tests would be routinely offered, alongside standard checks on babies, to map out the risk of genetic diseases and offer “predictive, personalised” care.

Ministers have already promised that such tests will be offered to all children diagnosed with cancer by the end of this year. The same steps are planned for adults with certain rare diseases and hard-to-treat cancers, with ambitions to sequence 5million genomes in the UK within five years.

Now Mr Hancock has unveiled hopes to go further – telling scientists that every single child should be able to receive the tests at birth, in a “genomic revolution” across the country.

Mr Hancock told a Genomics England conference that children would get the “best start in life” if they were offered gene mapping alongside standard checks. “My ambition is that eventually every child will be able to receive whole genome sequencing along with the heel prick test,” he told delegates.

“We will give every child the best possible start in life by ensuring they get the best possible medical care as soon as they enter the world.”

While the information could improve care, families will face a dilemma about whether they want to know about the lifetime risks a child faces.

The 100,000 Genomes Project was launched by David Cameron in 2012, in memory of his son Ivan, who died in 2009 from a rare neurological disorder. The target was met last December, with the NHS now working to a goal of 5 million genomes.

Mr Hancock said 15,000 cancer patients had already seen changes in their treatment, with a quarter of participants with rare diseases receiving a more specific diagnosis.