Can blood cancer be inherited?

About this episode

This episode explores the genetic factors in blood cancer and the implications of inherited risks for patients and families.

Blood cancers are the fifth most common group of cancers in the UK. But for a small number of people, the condition may have an inherited genetic cause. In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore the role of genetics in blood cancer, and what an inherited risk means for patients and their families. Our guests explain what blood cancer is, how inherited factors can increase risk, and why multidisciplinary teamwork is key to supporting families. They also look ahead to future advances, from whole genome sequencing to prevention trials. Our host Amanda Pichini, Clinical Director at Genomics England, is joined by: Dr Katie Snape, Principal Clinician at Genomics England and Consultant Cancer Geneticist Bev Speight, Principal Genetic Counsellor Dr Sarah Westbury, Consultant Haematologist “By doing whole genome sequencing we get all of the information about all of the changes that might have happened, we know whether any are inherited, but importantly, we’re certain of the ones that have just occurred in the cancer cells and can help guide us with their treatment.” You can download the transcript or read it below. Amanda: Hello, and welcome to Behind the Genes. Sarah: When we think…

People in this episode

Host: Amanda Pichini

Guests: Dr Katie Snape, Bev Speight, Dr Sarah Westbury

Topics covered

• blood cancer
• genetics
• inherited risk
• multidisciplinary teamwork
• whole genome sequencing
• prevention trials

Keywords

• blood cancer
• genetics
• inherited risk
• whole genome sequencing
• multidisciplinary teamwork
• prevention trials

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Genomics England

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