Cancer researchers at Cork University Hospital say they may be able to prevent people from developing the disease through genetic testing.
The group are using the testing to identify patients whose cancers are mainly caused by inherited gene mutations rather than those whose cancer is acquired by environmental and lifestyle factors.
The results of the tests will allow oncologists to create personalised treatments to treat and reduce the risk of reoccurrence of cancer.
Two genetic testing centres in Dublin provide access to genetic testing, however demand for their services has increased hugely, leading to long wait times for testing.
Speaking to RedFM News, surgical oncologist Prof Mark Corrigan says the pilot programme was set up to fast-track access to the testing.
"Some patients may wait up to two years for an appointment for genetic testing.
"What we try to do here is bring that testing locally for some of the more straightforward genetic questions.
"That means that we have reduced that time from two years to appointment, to 22 days to appointment, and time to result of test down to approximately 50 days or so."
