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Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Friday, 3 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. It was answered by Preet Kaur Gill (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Brain Cancer: Genomics

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to guarantee access to Whole Genome Sequencing for all brain cancer patients.

Answer

NHS England is responsible for commissioning the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) in England. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is available through the NHS GMS for all brain cancer patients where expert review indicates genomic testing is needed to support diagnosis, treatment decisions, or clinical trial access. The number of brain cancer patients receiving WGS has increased over the past 12 months.

NHS England is also exploring alternative technological approaches to brain cancer genomic testing, in order to support more timely and scalable genomic testing.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15675
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Genomics Brain cancer
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk