AQW 8317/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/03/2024
Answered On Date: 21/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 6880/22-27, what public awareness campaigns are being carried out, specifically in relation to the potential to self-refer to a Cancer Genetics service.

Answer:

There are no public awareness campaigns raising potential to self-refer for genetic testing in NI.

GPs, surgeons and oncologists are aware that patients with a significant family history of cancer and/or a personal history of cancer suggestive of an inherited predisposition, can be referred to the NI Regional Genetics Service for assessment of their personal risk of carrying a cancer predisposition gene variant. This remains the most appropriate route of referral for the majority of patients.

Patients seen within the Regional Genetics service, who have been identified as carrying a gene variant which predisposes to cancer, are provided with information on how blood relatives can self-refer to Clinical Genetics for genetic advice and potential testing.

There has been recent work to promote family history services via Trust and regional websites which has included information on the regional cancer genetics service.

The regional genetics service and website provides clear information for professionals, patients and family members on how to make a referral to the clinical genetics service, and links to a range of leaflets on genetic testing generally and for specific cancers.