BRCA Explained

Everyone has two BRCA genes; BRCA1 and BRCA2.  Some people (both men and women) may have a fault in one of their BRCA genes and this significantly increases their risk of developing certain types of cancer. Importantly, having Jewish ancestry greatly increases your chance of having a fault in one of your BRCA genes. 

Not all cancers are preventable. However, individuals with a BRCA gene fault can take steps to reduce their cancer risk and, in some cases, potentially prevent cancer from developing.

Awareness of and testing of the BRCA genes in Jewish community are critical for identifying individuals with a faulty BRCA gene, allowing these people access to cancer risk management options available on the NHS.