CanGene-CanVar
Cancer Research UK funded, 2019 - 2024
Advances in sequencing technology have catalysed dramatic expansion in genetic cancer susceptibility testing and there is an increasing drive to embed genomics into the UK National Health System.
Expansion of genetic testing and increased identification of individuals with inherited genetic cancer susceptibility offers an opportunity for saving lives through early detection and prevention of cancer by effective targeting of resource to those at highest risk.
To ensure safe and effective expansion of genetic testing into clinical care, best outcomes for patients, and equality of care throughout the NHS, tools and resources are required that enable translation of knowledge gained through research into clinical practice.
Funded by Cancer Research UK, the 5-year CanGene-CanVar programme (April 2019 - March 2024) aims to create an interface between NHS and research settings that will underpin future expansions in genetic testing access.
Through six interlinked work-packages we will generate for tomorrow better evidence regarding cancer genetic risk from nationally available data. In concert, through clinical-facing resources, tools, and education we shall ensure the best evidence available today is applied effectively and consistently across our national NHS clinical and laboratory systems.


Work Package 1
Jen Rashbass || Public Health England/Health Data Insight
Prof Eva Morris || University of Oxford
Prof Antonis Antoniou || University of Cambridge
Collection, linkage and analyses of nationally-collected genomic and cancer data
Work Package 2
Prof Clare Turnbull & Prof Richard Houlston || Institute of Cancer Research
Data clinical laboratory resources for genomic cancer variant interpretation


Work Package 3
Prof Marc Tischkowitz || University of Cambridge
Dr Helen Hanson || St George's
Prof Gareth Evans & Dr Fiona Lalloo & Dr Emma Woodward || University of Manchester
Dynamic evidence-based clinical guidance and sharing of best practice amongst the clinical genetics community
Work Package 4
Prof Claire Foster & Prof Diana Eccles || University of Southampton
Developing patient-facing tools to support decision-making


Work Package 5
Prof Kate Tatton-Brown & Dr Katie Snape || St George's University London
Educational resources for the NHS workforce
Work Package 6
Prof Anneke Lucassen & Prof Nina Hallowell || University of Oxford
Ethics, governance and policy
