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The NHS is introducing BRCA testing for all those with Jewish ancestry (those with 1 Jewish grandparent) via a saliva test.
Studies have shown that people with Jewish ancestry have a higher chance of carrying a BRCA variant which increases risk of developing several cancers compared to the general population, but sadly only approximately 11% of BRCA mutation carriers in this population have been identified.
It is estimated that 2% of women are likely to develop ovarian cancer at some time during their lives. However, 36%–53% of women who are BRCA1 and 11%–25% of women who BRCA2 will develop ovarian cancer. Similarly, about 13% of women will develop breast cancer at some time during their lives. However, 65%–79% of women who are BRCA1 and 61%–77% of women who BRCA2 will develop breast cancer.
NHS England Cancer Programme along with Jnetics, a registered charity, dedicated to improving the prevention and diagnosis of Jewish genetic disorders in the UK, will offer BRCA testing to all men and women in England over the age of 18 with Jewish ancestry (at least one Jewish grandparent), regardless of personal cancer status or family history of cancer. The programme will reach out to people with Jewish ancestry to encourage them to come forward for a BRCA genetic test.
All consenting adults will receive full gene testing from saliva for BRCA1 and BRCA2 and will be offered genetic counselling support provided by ICR before the test, and at the time of the result. People who are found to be BRCA carriers will be referred directly to their local Clinical Genetics service for further discussion around risk management and onward referrals.
If you would like to sign up for this, please follow the link: THE JEWISH COMMUNITY’S NHS BRCA SCREENING PROGRAMME