Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 March 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether the NHS will offer genetic testing of the complete BRCA2 gene instead of the current test.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the NHS will offer genetic testing of the complete BRCA2 gene instead of the current test. [156897] Miss Melanie Johnson: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is preparing guidance for the national health service in England and Wales on the identification and management of genetic risk of familial breast cancer, with which the BRCA 2 gene is associated. This is due to be published shortly and is expected to include guidance on when it is appropriate to refer individuals for genetic testing, and the type of test which should be offered.

Secondary information