Hundreds of individuals with Jewish heritage have been identified as carrying a gene mutation that increases their risk of developing cancer. The NHS in England launched a genetic testing programme specifically for those of Jewish descent due to their elevated risk of certain cancers.
Fresh data from the programme, shared with the PA news agency, reveals that 235 people have been flagged as having an increased cancer risk. These individuals will be provided with additional support, including preventative treatment and extra screening to detect any early signs of cancer.
The screening programme focuses on identifying mutations in the BRCA genes. These can significantly increase a person’s risk of cancer.
Everyone carries BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but alterations in these genes can heighten the risk of specific cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Ethnicity can influence the likelihood of a person carrying these gene changes – for instance, four in every 10 individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry have been found to carry the gene change in BRCA1 and BRCA2, and one in 140 Sephardi Jews have a faulty BRCA gene.
As part of the screening programme, anyone over 18 in England with Jewish ancestry is offered a simple saliva test. Saliva samples are self-collected at home and then sent to a lab for analysis, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In its first year, the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme has seen an impressive uptake, with 25,000 free saliva test kits requested and delivered. Out of roughly 11,000 tests processed so far, 235 individuals (2.1%) have tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation.
Those found to carry altered BRCA genes get early access to cancer detection services like mammograms or MRI scans, might be offered preventative measures, and are counselled on lifestyle changes. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, commented to say: “It’s encouraging that so many people have come forward for testing and that hundreds living with an increased risk have been identified and can now be supported to make informed choices about monitoring and risk-reducing options.
“We want as many people as possible to take advantage of this innovative testing programme, so please continue to come forward for a simple saliva test if you are eligible. If you are sitting on a testing kit at home, we encourage you to complete and return the testing kit.
“The majority of people won’t be variant carriers of the BRCA gene, but if you are, the NHS can provide you with appropriate screening or treatment.” Adam, a 59-year-old man from London who discovered he carried a genetic mutation, said: “Knowing that you’re BRCA1 positive, that you have a mutation that you may have passed onto the kids, can feel very overwhelming.
“For me, it was guilt, but we live in a day and age that means we can actually test for this. Because of the incredible support and expertise of Jnetics, Chai and the NHS it is amazing to see the options that are available for me and my family.”
The screening programme, a collaborative effort by NHS England, Jnetics and Chai Cancer Care, has been met with enthusiasm. Nicole Gordon, Jnetics chief executive, commented: “We are pleased with the uptake of the programme across all sectors of the community from the religious to the unaffiliated.
“Our mission now is to continue to drive awareness, giving individuals the opportunity to gain knowledge that will help mitigate against the impact of hereditary cancer and ultimately save lives.” Lisa Steele, Chai Cancer Care’s chief executive, added: “We know it can be daunting to test positive for the BRCA gene mutation. However, finding out means people can make informed choices and get the support they need.”
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne remarked on the programme’s success, saying: “For the 11,000 people who have tested, the NHS Jewish BRCA testing programme provided reassurance and education around the risks of cancer. But for 235 of those people, it gave them vital extra time to make informed decisions around lifestyle choices and treatments.
“We’re working to catch illness on time, so I urge people to come forward and test if they’re eligible. Our Plan for Change will broaden access to community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs and make better use of tech, including the NHS App, to end the appointment backlog and fight cancer on all fronts.”
Anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent can register for a saliva kit to be sent to their home address by visiting: nhsjewishbrcaprogramme.org.UK