NHS launches Jewish BRCA Testing Programme
A new programme announced by NHS is set to identify thousands of people with Jewish ancestry carrying the BRCA gene.
In a pivotal move aimed at identifying and mitigating hereditary cancer risks, the NHS has introduced a national Jewish BRCA Testing Programme that will see anyone over the age of 18 with Jewish ancestry offered a genetic saliva test to detect the presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The program is designed to extend genetic screening to individuals with Jewish ancestry to address the potential hereditary predisposition associated with pathogenic variants in these genes.
BRCA refers to two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, which play a pivotal role in DNA damage repair. However, pathogenic variants in these genes have been conclusively linked to an increased risk for female breast and ovarian cancer, male breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, among other cancers.
Whilst possessing a BRCA genetic mutation does not inevitably lead to cancer development, these mutations significantly increase the risk of developing cancer due to their marked penetrance. The Jewish community has an increased risk because of founder mutations in the BRCA genes. Founder mutations can be traced back to a select group of individuals isolated by historical, geographical, and cultural factors. Among Ashkenazi Jewish women, the incidence of BRCA gene mutations is notably elevated, with a prevalence of one in 40 people compared to one in 400 in the general population.
Global approaches to cancer prevention: an interview with Onyema Greg Chido-Amajuoyi
Have anti-smoking advertisements and e-cigarettes negatively or positively impacted tobacco use? How could gender-neutral vaccination initiatives reduce cancer incidence?
Current guidelines recommend BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing for individuals with a personal or family history of certain cancers. However, this new programme extends genetic screening to those who have at least one Jewish grandparent, irrespective of a family history of cancers.
Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England commented:, “BRCA testing for the people most at risk has the potential to save lives, by allowing them to take steps to reduce the chance of cancers developing or making sure that any cancer can be detected as early as possible, with those at increased risk able to take advantage of surveillance and prevention programmes with their health teams.”
By extending genetic testing to individuals with Jewish ancestry, the initiative increases the chances of early diagnosis and also enables individuals to proactively reduce their cancer risk. Prophylactic surgical interventions, such as mastectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, can greatly reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
The implementation of the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme signifies a significant advancement in the screening of cancer. The overarching aim is to enable a proactive stance in managing potential hereditary risks within this population, contributing to the reduction of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in high-risk cohorts.