Patients could receive more tailored medical care and faster diagnosis as part of a new project to sequence genetic codes under the NHS.
Under the 100,000 Genomes Project, which launches today, some patients with rare diseases and their relatives, as well as cancer patients, will have the option of taking part in the project.
Eleven hospitals across England have been designated Genomic Medicine Centres and will recruit the first wave of patients.
Eleven NHS hospitals across England have been selected to begin recruiting 75,000 patients to have their genetic codes sequenced.
As part of the 100,000 Genomes Project, the 'Genomic Medicine Centres' (GMCs) will focus on patients with a rare disease and their relatives, and patients with cancer. The hospitals are:
The 100,000 Human Genomes Project is seeking volunteers to have their whole genomes sequenced. So what are the potential benefits and risks?
The NHS is to set up 11 centres to unlock the secrets of DNA and help develop tests and drugs to target cancer and rare genetic diseases.