Education and resources

On this page:

• Introduction to Genomics
• Cancer Genomics
• Inherited and Rare Disease Genomics
• Genomics in Primary Care

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Introduction to Genomics:

Advances in understanding and technology, coupled with a reduction in cost and time, now means that the use of genomics in routine NHS care is a reality. The information provided by analysing a person’s genetic makeup can be used in a variety of clinical scenarios, from the diagnosis of rare disease to the tracking and treatment of infectious diseases.     

Cancer genomics:                                                         

Oncology is one of the areas of medicine most impacted by genomics. Rapid advances in genomic technologies and medical understanding have not only resulted in developments in treatment and management, but have also opened up innumerable possibilities for research that will enable us to understand, and treat, cancers better.         

Inherited and Rare Disease Genomics

Inherited and rare disease genomics: 80 per cent of rare diseases have a genetic component and we can currently only test for about half of these conditions. This means the key to diagnosing these remaining unknown conditions lies in delving into our DNA – this is exactly what the NHS GMS is doing. The GMS is harnessing the power of genomics, the study of genes in our DNA and their function, to help us predict and prevent certain diseases, develop more precise diagnoses and more personalised and targeted treatments – a world-first for a national healthcare system.                                  

Genomics in Primary Care:

The Genomics Toolkit has been developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners in partnership with Health Education England Genomics Education Programme. The purpose of this toolkit is to support the increased understanding of genomic medicine and support primary care with increased knowledge of how genomics can contribute to improving patient care. The toolkit provides you with a collection of resources that explain how genomic medicine can be incorporated in primary care.