What is Genomic Sequencing?
All young people affected by cancer deserve the best possible outcomes from the moment they are diagnosed. Genomics can help achieve this, yet it is not routinely offered to all young people diagnosed with cancer. Our approach is to offer upfront genome sequencing.
What is genome sequencing?
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells. In most of our cells, we have a complete copy of our genetic information (genome). We all have about 20,000 genes in our genomes. Our genes are made of DNA and contain the instructions for growth and development of the body. Until recently, doctors and scientists were only able to test one gene at a time. However, now we can test many of our genes at once (genome sequencing). The DNA in our genes that is used for testing comes from samples such as blood, tissue, hair, bone marrow, bone or saliva.
To find out more about genome sequencing watch our video below...
How will genome sequencing help?
Having your genome sequenced may:
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Give more detailed information on your type of cancer
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Help discover more targeted treatments
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Find the cause for your cancer which could be important information for other family members
There is still a lot to learn about genome sequencing and it may not tell your medical team anything new about your cancer now. However, genome sequencing could help you and others in the future. The more people that have their genome sequenced and compared, the more we can learn about cancer and how to treat it effectively.
Other useful resources:
Blood samples are received and prepared for processing.
An automated extraction robot is used to extract DNA from patient’s blood, tissue and bone marrow sample
Sample are loaded on the sequencing instrument to read the DNA sequence and generate an electronic file ready for analysis
Blood samples are received and prepared for processing.