BRCA
BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are up to 6 X more common in people of Jewish ancestry compared to the general population. They are the cause of many potentially preventable cancer cases in the Jewish population. Fortunately, an international shift in BRCA testing recommendations & a new NHS testing initiative mean the Jewish community has never been better equipped to tackle BRCA-related cancers head-on.
What you need to know about BRCA
BRCA refers to two genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2- that every one of us has. They play a vital role in the prevention of cancer.
BRCA gene mutations are disproportionately more common among people of Jewish ancestry then the general population.
Historically BRCA testing was only recommended to people with a strong history in their family of BRCA-related cancers. This has all recently changed.
BRCA testing can have big implications for both the individual testing and their family. The decision to get tested needs to be carefully considered and fully informed.
NHS England is now offering free BRCA gene testing via The NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme.
The NHS provides genetic counselling and cancer risk reducing measures to anyone identified as having a BRCA gene mutation.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs page
Considering testing and need some support? click here for NHS and community resources (TO ADD LINK TO INTERNAL ANCHOR ON WHAT TO CONSIDER B4 TESTING PAGE)
Jewish BRCA in numbers.
ASHKENAZI
1/40
People of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry have a fault in either of their BRCA genes.
SEPHARDI
1/140
People of Sephardi Jewish ancestry have a fault in either of their BRCA genes.
GENERAL
1/250
People in the general UK population have a fault in either of their BRCA genes.
89% of Jews in the UK with a BRCA gene fault are unaware of their status.
NEW
NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme
NHS England is now offering free BRCA gene testing to anyone:
- living in England
- aged 18 or over
- with 1 or more Jewish grandparent
