Preventing disease

Discovery of blood pressure genes could help prevent cardiovascular disease

New findings are a major advance in our understanding of the inherited influences on blood pressure and offer potential targets for the prevention of heart disease and stroke - the biggest cause of death worldwide. 12/09/11

Womb cancer genome scan reveals prostate cancer link

The first genome scan for womb cancer has revealed a genetic region that is associated with a reduced risk of the disease. The same region, called HNF1B, has been linked previously to lower prostate cancer risk in men. 18/04/11

Molecular blood genotyping test in development

An international consortium of researchers, BloodGen, is developing a new form of genetic blood test that will provide much closer matching between blood samples and transfusion recipients. 13/09/06

First UK baby selected to be free of cancer gene

A woman is pregnant with what is thought to be the first child in the UK to have been selected to be free of a cancer gene, The Times has reported. 15/05/06

HFEA recommends embryo screening for hereditary cancers

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has issued draft receommendations on widening the number of conditions for which preimplantation genetic diagnosis may be used. 09/05/06

Expanding role for genetics in public health: Wanless report

The report 'Securing Good Health for the Whole Population', by Government adviser Derek Wanless has been published. 26/02/04

Reducing breast cancer risk

Two studies find that removal of the ovaries reduces cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers. 31/05/02