A new scheme which will try to determine if people carry a cancer gene is being launched at a County Armagh hospital on Thursday.

The Northern Ireland Cancer Genetics Service is starting the venture at Craigavon Area Hospital.

It aims to prevent cancer developing in people whose families have a history of the disease.

It is hoped the scheme will detect cancer not just in its early stages, but even before it begins to develop.

Doctors will try to gauge the risk of families developing certain types of cancers such as colon, breast and ovarian cancers.

Developing service

Funded by the charity Action Cancer, the genetics service is based at Belfast City Hospital.

However, hospitals in Craigavon, Altnagelvin in Londonderry and Antrim are all involved in the development of the service.

The service was launched in the Autumn by Dr Patrick Morrison the clinical genetics consultant at Belfast City Hospital.

The medical team at Craigavon is headed by Dr Caroline Humphrey, clinical director of cancer services.

It also consists of Ian Stirling, consultant surgeon; Eamon Mackle, consultant surgeon; Dr Rory Convery, consultant chest physician and Dr Robin Wallace, consultant gynaecologist.