Seven pilot sites – four Regional Genetics Centres and three Primary Care Trusts – were successful in securing funding to take forward this three-year programme. The seven sites are:
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Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service
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Teesside Regional Genetics Service
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South West London Regional Genetics Service
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South East London Regional Genetics Service
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Oldham Primary Care Trust
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Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust
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Poole Primary Care Trust
Each of the projects was tasked, amongst other things, to:
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Forge strong links between Primary, Secondary and Tertiary care
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To undertake an education programme amongst Primary Care practitioners to assist in raising their understanding of how to identify patients who may be at increased risk
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To develop robust pathways linking in with Secondary and Tertiary care
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To raise awareness, but not anxiety, amongst their local population that such a service was available.
To the end of June 2006, 3,884 people had been seen through the services, of which 70% have fallen into the category of average or population risk. For this group of people, providing reassurance and information has been adequate. 13% of those seen have fallen into the 'moderate risk' category. For these patients additional support in terms of surveillance - mammography or colonoscopy – have been offered. Not all people have necessarily taken up the offer. 17% have fallen into the 'high risk' category. For these people referral to the regional genetics service has been offered, where they are able to obtain more information and have the opportunity of genetic testing if this is deemed desirable and necessary.
The remit for the pilot sites was to concentrate on three main areas of cancer – breast, colorectal and ovarian.
46% of all people coming through the service have done so because of their concerns regarding breast cancer; 20% as a result of colorectal cancer; 3% ovarian cancer. The remaining 31% are as a result of no specific data yet being available; other cancers and people from accessing the service from outside the catchments area.
More information
Sharon Lomas, the Genetics Partnership Programme Project Manager, would be more than happy to talk to you about the project and to give you more information. Email slomas@macmillan.org.uk or call 01226 764920.