A Monash University-led nationwide pilot tested genomic screening for 10 actionable genes in 10,000 Australians aged 18 to 40, showing promise for a national preventive genomic testing program.

Personal story: Zoe learned she carries a BRCA2-related high-risk variant only after joining DNA Screen, later receiving cancer treatment, illustrating how genomic testing can enable earlier surveillance and intervention.

Researchers emphasize protecting genomic health information and note ongoing work with government on legislation banning genetic discrimination in life insurance to support broader access to testing.

Experts say population genomic screening can identify high-risk individuals before symptoms, potentially saving lives and reducing future health care costs.

Experts advocate a 100,000-person translational phase to determine implementation for a national-scale program and to inform policy and funding decisions.

Publicly funded DNA testing currently has limited eligibility, leaving many high-risk individuals undetected, with about nine in ten high-risk Australians not identified.

Feasibility and outcomes of the DNA Screen nationwide adult genomic screening pilot are published in Nature Health (2026), DOI 10.1038/s44360-025-00020-x.

Monash’s DNA Screen program advocates for a national screening program accessible to all adult Australians through the public health system, supported by government funding for development.

The study found about 1 in 50 young Australians carries a high-risk variant for breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, or familial hypercholesterolemia, underscoring the potential value of genomic testing and preventive treatment.