England Launches BRCA Testing Program for People with Jewish Ancestry
“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 program with their health teams.”
--- Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England
Article Highlights
1. England rolls out free genetic testing to all individuals of Jewish heritage
2. The testing program is a two-part process where individuals request testing through an online portal, followed by genetic counseling and risk management for those who test positive
3. The program is innovative in its approach to patient education, interaction, and support
About The Program
The National Health Service (NHS), the publicly funded healthcare system in England, has launched the Jewish BRCA Testing Program which offers free BRCA genetic testing to all individuals with Jewish heritage.
People with Jewish heritage are six times more likely to carry a BRCA mutation, which can increase the risk of developing certain cancers— including breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Carrying a BRCA mutation does not mean someone will develop cancer during their lifetime, but being aware of their risk allows individuals to take proactive steps for their health, such as adopting lifestyle changes, joining support groups within the community, or accessing medical services like routine screenings, risk-reduction surgeries, or preventative medications. These measures can sometimes help individuals lower their cancer risk, or detect cancer earlier when the prognosis is more likely to be favorable. Recent medical studies have recommended that genetic testing be offered to all individuals with Jewish heritage, regardless of their personal or family history of cancer.
The Jewish BRCA Testing Program is a significant part of the NHS's initiative to detect cancer early and provide high-risk individuals with access to risk management support. During its pilot phase, the program has already attracted thousands of individuals for testing. The NHS plans to provide screening to tens of thousands more people over the next two years.
What Does The Program Look Like?
Anyone who tests positive for a BRCA mutation is then eligible for genetic counseling and risk management.
1. Genetic counseling – this provides individuals with an understanding of their results, the options they have for managing their risks, and the benefits, risks, and implications associated with these options.
2. Risk management – help individuals manage their cancer risk by either detecting cancers at an earlier stage when it is likely easier to treat, or to reduce the likelihood of developing cancers linked to BRCA mutations. Additionally, there are measures available for couples where one partner carries a BRCA mutation to prevent their child from inheriting the mutation.
For more information on the risk management options that NHS provides, please visit JNetics
What can BC learn from the England Jewish BRCA Testing Program?
The Jewish BRCA Testing program is a collaborative healthcare initiative between the NHS and many community organizations, such as JNetics and Chai Cancer Center. It prioritizes patient education and support in addition to medical testing.
The program goes to great lengths to ensure participants are well-informed about the implications of BRCA testing—both for themselves and their families—empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
Extensive medical and logistical support are also available for each step of the testing process— ranging from genetic counseling telephone support to how to track and ship the genetic testing sample, combining to create an accessible and supportive environment for those undergoing testing.
The user-centered design reflects the director’s vision for the program.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, says: “Identifying more people at increased risk of breast cancer due to BRCA gene alterations will help empower them with the knowledge and opportunity to take action to reduce their risk of developing the disease and increase the chances of an early diagnosis.”
“This must go hand-in-hand with support. We know that finding out you have an increased risk of breast cancer, because of a family history or an altered gene, can be a worrying time and there is support available.”
Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, added: “We know it can be daunting finding out whether or not you have an altered BRCA gene, and some people may feel they’d rather not know, but finding out early means people can get the support they need from the NHS.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in genetic health awareness and proactive healthcare for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Its foundation on partnership sets a benchmark for future healthcare programs and demonstrates the profound impact of collective action in addressing complex health challenges.
To learn more about the program, visit Jewish BRCA.