Ep 63: Guest Clare Turnbull Part 1

SummaryIn this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome Clare Turnbull, a clinical geneticist in London, to discuss her journey from studying mathematics to medicine, her work in cancer genetics, and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare. The conversation explores the role of genetic testing in melanoma, the challenges of public health in cancer treatment, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and patient outcomes.Keywordsmelanoma, genetics, COVID-19, public health, cancer treatment, screening, early detection, healthcare, epidemiology, clinical geneticsTakeawaysClare Turnbull transitioned from mathematics to medicine in uni,She has worked extensively in clinical genetics, focusing on cancer genetics.COVID-19 significantly impacted healthcare delivery and cancer treatment prioritization, the effects of which will take a long time to bear out.The importance of genetic testing in melanoma is highlighted, for young onset cases or those with a significant family history.Public health initiatives are crucial for improving cancer outcomes.The pandemic created a bulge in cancer mortality due to delayed diagnoses.Screening for melanoma is essential, but the pick-up rates for genetic mutations are low - a cautionary tale.Sound Bites"A can-do attitude, what can I do to help?""There will be a bulge of mortality.""The pick-up rate's pretty low."Chapters00:00 Opening theme music (My Favourite Dress...The Wedding Present)00:48 Introduction of Guest Clare Turnbull03:27 Clare's Journey in Clinical Genetics05:36 Genomics England, 100K Genomes Project06:58 Clare's extraordinary efforts during COVID12:07 Melanoma and genetic risk(s) versus environmental risk16:28 The Ripple Effects of Genetic Testing on Families