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Cancer: Genomics

Asked by Cameron ThomasIndependentDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 18 March 2026UIN 120263

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department will commit to regularly publishing clear and transparent figures of Whole Genome Sequencing as described in the National Cancer Plan, broken down by trust, tumour type and outlining the percentages of patients receiving this against the number being diagnosed.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

Since 2023, NHS England has published National Health Service genomic testing activity data on the NHS England website, at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/genomic-testing-activity/

This standardised data is published at a national level and by NHS Genomic Medicine Service region. For whole genome sequencing, data is published by cancer and rare disease. Data is also published for a number of specific cancer clinical indications, including for example lymphoma, lung, colorectal, and others. NHS England will continue to develop this dataset and publish genomic testing activity data on a quarterly basis in line with other diagnostic NHS services.

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