Abstract

The contribution of genetics to the development of cancer has only truly been recognised since the early 1970s, however it is now known that DNA alterations underlie all cancers. By identifying which genes are involved in cancer, it is becoming increasingly possible to design treatment regimes that are personalised to the specific genetics of the patient and their tumour. Since the completion of the Human Genome Sequencing project in 2003, our ability to sequence DNA has increased exponentially; our understanding of cancer genetic science and its therapeutic applications is therefore growing rapidly, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It is therefore important that clinically useful genetic data are captured and recorded within the rich dataset of the National Cancer Registration Service. This talk will give a very basic introduction to cells, DNA and genes, and their significance in cancer and its treatment. It is aimed at non-scientists, so no prior knowledge of genetics is assumed!