IDENTICAL twins Debbie Crowder and Amanda Firth were both diagnosed with breast cancer within a year of each other -- now they face a new dilemma together.

The two women are debating whether to take part in vital genetic research to help find a cure for cancer after being told insurance companies could use the results to penalise their children.

They fear there could be legislation drawn up in the near future which would allow firms to view the findings.

The two 33-year-olds went to St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, after volunteering to take part in the research but have delayed further tests because of their fears.

Debbie, of Little Lever, said: "We are still thinking about it. We don't want to force something on our children which they will pay for in later life. I was devastated when I heard about this. It's a shame. I think it is putting a lot of people off taking part in the research."

A spokesman for Christie cancer hospital said people are automatically told that research may be seen by insurance companies.

The spokesman denied that this was putting off people coming forward although many might think twice about taking part in the studies.

Experts are campaigning to prevent a change in the law which could result in insurance companies being allowed to view the results of genetic tests.

Debbie, who has a three-year-old son, Joseph, was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer after living with the fear that she would develop the same illness as her identical twin.

She now faces reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Her sister, Amanda, who lives in Chorley, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was pregnant, two-and-a-half years ago. Her daughter, Olivia, was born addicted to morphine.

Amanda said: "I know it is important to help find a cure for cancer but I don't want my daughter to foot the bill sometime in her future.

"We are still thinking about this at the moment. But I'm just happy to spend precious time with my daughter, time we missed at the beginning."

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said that companies only have the right at present to view genetic records of people with Huntington's Disease for claims of more than £500,000.

"Just because insurers view the records does not mean that they will act on the information viewed.

"The insurance industry has confirmed that genetic records are not required for claims up to £500,000.

"Above that amount, they may have the right to view for any condition that has been approved by the Government's genetics committee. At the moment, the only condition approved is Huntington's. The debate is ongoing."