Revolutionary test will be able to check for mutations linked to cancer Angelina Jolie highlighted pre-emptive action when she discovered she had a rogue gene after her mother died from cancer
By Mario Ledwith
PUBLISHED: 17:42 EST, 20 May 2013 | UPDATED: 17:42 EST, 20 May 2013
Cancer patients are to be provided with genetic tests to see whether their family members are also at risk of developing the disease.
The revolutionary test will be offered to sufferers to check if they - and in some cases, members of their family - are carrying mutated genes which make them genetically prone to certain forms of cancer.
The significance of genetic testing was highlighted last week when Angelina Jolie revealed that she had a double mastectomy after discovering that she was carrying a rogue gene.
Gene monitoring: Results will be used to assess the risk of inherited cancers and pick targeted drugs for the most effective personal treatment
The actress was told that had an 87 per cent of developing breast cancer due to the presence of the BRCA1 gene.
The new test, being trialled on patients within the Royal Marsden Foundation Trust, will check for mutations linked to cancer in 97 genes, half of which are not currently tested by the NHS.
Patients can then be given personalised treatment plans based on the results of the test.
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New genetic test for cancer patients will tell sufferers if they are likely to pass risk onto their relatives