Those with the BRCA gene fault have a higher risk of some cancers
The NHS has made an urgent call for people with a certain type of ancestry to sign up for a free cancer gene testing programme. Those with Jewish ancestry have a higher risk of carrying a faulty gene that significantly increases the chances of developing certain types of cancer.
Anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent will have until the end of the week (October 31) to sign up for the free NHS Jewish BRCA program. The BRCA gene fault increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer – specifically breast, Ovarian and pancreatic cancer.
Having Jewish ancestry increases your risk of having a BRCA gene fault. Around one in 40 Ashkenazi Jews and around one in 140 Sephardi Jews have a faulty BRCA gene – compared to around one in 250 individuals in the UK general population.
Up to 40 per cent of ovarian cancer cases and 10 per cent of breast cancer cases in the Jewish community are associated with a BRCA gene fault. Both men and women can carry the gene and, unknowingly, pass it on to their children.
Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England said: “BRCA testing for the people most at risk has the potential to save lives, by allowing them to take steps to reduce the chance of cancers developing or making sure that any cancer can be detected as early as possible, with those at increased risk able to take advantage of surveillance and prevention programmes with their health teams.
“We know it can be daunting finding out whether or not you have an altered BRCA gene, and some people may feel they’d rather not know, but finding out early means people can get the support they need from the NHS.
“We want as many people as possible to take advantage of this testing programme, so please do come forward for a simple saliva test if you are eligible – most people won’t have an altered gene, but if you do, the NHS can provide you with further testing, surveillance or treatment as early as possible.”
Those who test positive for the BRCA gene fault can access options on the NHA to help them manage and reduce their cancer risk. They can also avoid passing the gene fault on to any children.
Those who sign up will be offered a simple genetic saliva test to look for the presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 faults. The saliva samples will be carried out at home and then be sent to labs for testing.
Over 32,000 people have registered for the testing program since it was launched in January 2024, which is part of the NHS’s major drive to catch tumours early when they are easier to treat. The three-year-long programme will close to new registrations this Friday.
Anyone living in England, aged 18 or over with one or more Jewish grandparent, is eligible for the programme and urged to sign up as soon as possible via The NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme website.
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