GPs are key to the adoption of DNA screening
08 Sep 2025
“An RACGP expert agrees with researchers campaigning for universal DNA screening: GP participation is essential for success.”
Researchers are calling for DNA screening to be offered to the entire Australian population, and experts say GPs will play a central role in making it work.
At a recent event at Parliament House, Monash University’s DNA Screen program shared results from a pilot study of 10,000 participants. The team is now seeking federal funding to expand the program into a five-year national trial.
Professor Paul Lacaze, head of the program, explained the goal is prevention. “If we can identify people early, before disease develops, we can intervene, save lives, and reduce future healthcare costs,” he said.
RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care Chair Professor Mark Morgan emphasized that GP involvement is crucial. “Whole-population DNA testing will rely on conversations between well-informed GPs and their patients,” he told newsGP. “Discussions with GPs make a huge difference to screening uptake. GPs will be central.”
The DNA Screen study, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, launched in 2022. Recruitment exceeded expectations: all 10,000 spots were filled on the first day, and over 30,000 people have now registered, with 20,000 placed on a waiting list due to funding limits. Participants, aged 18–40, come from diverse backgrounds, including over 40% from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The saliva-based test identifies genetic changes linked to high risks of breast and ovarian cancer, colorectal and endometrial cancers, and early heart disease. So far, one in 50 participants have been found to have a high genetic risk and are now receiving follow-up care.
Professor Morgan noted that offering DNA saliva tests through GP consultations would be practical and beneficial, as it allows for pre- and post-test guidance. He added that longer GP consultations and broader preventive health assessments through Medicare would be needed to support this initiative.
Looking internationally, he said the UK is already building infrastructure for national testing, including genome sequencing for every newborn by 2030. Similar measures would be required in Australia, including secure storage of results, more genetic counselors, and protections to prevent insurance discrimination based on genetic data.
Professor Morgan stressed the importance of keeping GPs updated on rapid advances in DNA testing and being able to guide patients who may pursue private tests.
“GPs are essential for primary prevention and for scaling this program nationwide,” he said.
(Source: RACGP)
