Advances in technology have been a major driver of the explosion of knowledge in genetics, now allowing us to sequence the entire human genome in a short period of time and at a fraction of the cost of previous years.
This has led to a better understanding of the natural history of cancer, the ability to assess genetic risk for cancer across populations, the development of clinical management strategies to reduce cancer risk, the development of novel therapeutic agents which target genetic alterations, and to improved education of patients and providers about genetic risk.
Hereditary cancer is hard enough to navigate, so we are thankful for patient-friendly information to help inform the decision-making process.
https://www.stjames.ie/cancer/yourtreatmentandcare/servicesandtreatments/cancergeneticsservice/
Genetic testing is a vital tool in enabling individuals to be proactive in their health care to achieve the best possible outcomes.
It’s very important for everyone to understand their cancer risks based on their personal or family history since their personal risk level may necessitate earlier, more frequent, and/or more intensive cancer surveillance.
This is the best way to ensure that you are doing everything you can to prevent cancer or catch it early when treatment has the best outcome.
At present cancer genetics services in Ireland are underdeveloped and underfunded. Only a fraction of staff required are in place. As a result long waiting times, extra cost to the state because cancers are not prevented and discovered at a later stage.
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 