article_snippet: Though certain genetic tests are available on the NHS for people with a clear family history of a particular cancer — for example, if more than two members of your immediate family have had it — the private Spire Bushey Hospital, in Hertfordshire, has become the first to offer full screening for a range of cancers to people who may have had only one or two family members affected.
article_snippet: But this new service screens for dozens of different genes linked to prostate, bowel, breast and ovarian cancers, which are among the most common in Britain, using ‘next generation’ gene technology to provide a full range of results within 12 weeks.
article_snippet: Patrick (pictured) decided to have genetic screening for cancer to find out whether or not Patrick is predisposed to particular strains of bowel and prostate cancer .
article_snippet: During the few days before the call, I spoke to Colin Elton, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the Spire Bushey Hospital, to find out Colin Elton, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the Spire Bushey Hospital take on how useful these tests might be.
article_snippet: There’s not enough awareness among GPs and hospital doctors of the benefits of genetic testing,’ he said.
article_snippet: Even if someone does have a family history of one type of cancer, and if they are sent to a genetic counsellor by the NHS, they still might not have the actual testing if a genetic counsellor doesn’t think the chances are high enough.
article_snippet: But this screening gives people who might have only one parent or sibling the chance to test —
article_snippet: In fact, the NHS might not offer testing because only a small percentage of cancers are caused by genetic problems, says Dr McKee.
article_snippet: Dr McKee also casts doubt on the screening you can pay for outside the NHS, as family history does not need to be as strong in order to get the tests, which makes analysing the results harder.
article_snippet: Patrick (pictured) was incredibly relieved to learn that Patrick genetic screening came back normal although Patrick says Patrick will do everything Patrick can to lower the risks of cancer .
article_snippet: Cancer Research UK also advises caution around genetic screening.
article_snippet: But Dr McKee is clear about the benefits of specific genetic cancer tests, particularly for bowel and breast cancers.