Cancer & genomics: what healthcare professionals need to know

Cancer is affected by our genetics in many different ways. Multiple cancers can be influenced by our genes and the effectiveness of cancer treatment can vary according to our DNA. The healthcare environment has responded to emerging research findings by offering new testing options and innovative therapies based on the results of genetic testing.

To mark Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week, as well as Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month and Urological Cancer Awareness Month, Central and South Genomics is hosting a webinar on the genomics of cancer.

Attendees will hear from a panel of experts outlining the connection between genomics and cancer, the patient experience, genetic counselling within oncology and ongoing research into genetics within cancer. The speakers for this event are:

• Professor David Church, Cancer Research UK Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellow and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University of Oxford
• Donna Gillen, Cancer Research Nurse, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust
• Athalie Melville, Principal Genetic Counsellor, University of Southampton NHS Trust
• Laura Chiecchio, Lead Clinical Scientist (Oncology), Wessex Genomics Laboratory
• Ameena Westwood, Patient Expert

This event is for healthcare professionals working in any specialism who are looking to learn more about cancer from a genomics perspective,  to increase their ability to identify when testing may be required, to guide patients through the process and to learn how to speak to patients about inherited cancers and tailored treatments.