NHS BRCA & Regional Clinical Genetics Services

The NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme in England is currently closed to new registrations while NHS England establishes a permanent service. The new service is anticipated to open during 2027, however an exact date has not yet been confirmed.

You can submit an expression of interest here. This will allow the new service provider to contact you with updates when testing becomes available again.

Submitting an expression of interest does not register you for a test, or commit you to having one. You will need to complete the new service’s registration and consent process when it opens.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, speak to your GP about the NHS genetic testing arrangements available where you live.

Referral to your local NHS clinical genetics service may be a more appropriate route if:

• A pathogenic BRCA1, BRCA2 or other cancer-related variant has aleady been identified in your family;
• You have or have previously had breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic or another relevant cancer;
• You have a significant family history of related cancers, particularly cancers diagnosed at younger ages.

A clinical genetics service can assess your personal and family history and determine whether NHS genetic testing is appropriate. Depending on your circumstances, testing may include other cancer-predisposition genes beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Where possible, genetic testing may begin with a relative who has had cancer, as this can provide the most informative result for the family.

If a familial variant is already known, it is helpful to provide your GP or genetics service with a copy of the affected relative’s result or family letter. If the variant was identified through the previous NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme, the person who received the result should have been given information for relatives about accessing testing.

Speak to your GP or treating cancer team to request a referral. A referral does not automatically mean that testing will be offered; the clinical genetics service will assess whether you meet the relevant NHS criteria.

While we recognise that some people may prefer to wait for free testing through the NHS, Jnetics’ interim service provides access to BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing now, should you prefer not to wait.

You are eligible if you:

• are aged 18 years or over;
• live in the UK;
• have at least one Jewish grandparent from any Jewish background.

The service is open to people of all sexes and genders. The current subsidised cost is £295 and includes access to an independent genetic counsellor throughout the testing journey.

If a pathogenic variant is identified, the genetic counsellor will explain the result and advise you about referral to an NHS clinical genetics service. Any NHS screening or risk-reducing care offered will depend on assessment by the relevant NHS specialists.

Test via Jnetics

You can speak to the NHS Jewish BRCA genetic counsellor helpline on 0203 437 6001. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, with extended hours until 7pm on Wednesdays.

You are also welcome to contact Jnetics or speak to our independent genetic counsellor before registering for the interim service.