Millions upon millions of people are suffering from cancer symptoms, and new diagnosis’ are given daily. It can be a very painful and traumatizing experience for both the patient and their loved ones, and all of them would welcome any developments that science could offer. One of the ways that could help massively is by data sharing on a global basis.
One group of like-minded individuals who felt there was more we could do in terms of research and development in cures for cancer is GA4GH (Global Alliance for Genomics and Health), and that is what they aim to do. GA4GH is a partnership that exists between various scientists, patients, IT and Life Sciences industry in over 40 countries worldwide.
They conclude that one the biggest problems we face today in saving the lives of cancer patients is that we do not readily share enough vital information with one another. Currently, there are massive amounts of data from cancer patients separated that people can not cross reference, and we could be missing key information and links to curing this devastating disease.
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What GA4GH intends to do is to create a searchable cancer database that will connect all cancer patients information from all over the world and complete a genetic matchmaking system that will allow scientists and doctors to develop personalized prescriptions based on the individual’s genetics, therefore, enhancing the patient’s chance of recovery.
There are of course security issues that need to be addressed with any confidential information sharing and GA4GH have created a security policy for ensuring maximum privacy and of the shared data. But it is essential for the development of cures and treatments that this information is not locked away and readily available to those that need it to save the lives of thousands potentially.