BRCA testing for patients with Jewish ancestry

Posted by: f85034 - Posted on:

Men and women over 18 years in England with Jewish ancestry (at least one Jewish grandparent) can now be tested for the BRCA gene variation.

The BRCA variation significantly increases the risk of developing several cancers – particularly breast and ovarian cancer.

People with Jewish ancestry have a 1 in 40 risk of carrying a BRCA mutation compared to the general population risk of 1 in 250. People who have the variation will be placed onto surveillance and treatment pathways.

For more information, patients can visit the registration page: J-BRCA (nhsjewishbrcaprogramme.org.uk)

Patients can also call the genetic counselling hotline to get advice: 020 3437 6001, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The line is open until 7pm on Wednesdays.