A new NHS genetic testing programme has identified hundreds of people with Jewish ancestry at increased risk of cancer
Identifying this early could offer meaningful opportunities for early detection and prevention care.
The BRCA Testing Programme
The NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme, launched in January 2023, aims to reduce the impact of hereditary cancers by providing people with the knowledge and support they need to make informed health decisions.
Since the programme’s launch, more than 25,000 free saliva test kits have been requested and delivered to individuals across England. These tests are designed for people aged 18 and over with at least one Jewish grandparent, regardless of their religious practices.
The test is easy and non-invasive and only requires a saliva sample, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. So far, around 11,000 tests have been processed, with 235 people (approximately 2%) testing positive for a BRCA gene mutation.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Research shows that people with Jewish ancestry, particularly those of Ashkenazi and Sephardi descent, are more likely to carry these genetic mutations than the general population.
For instance, one in 40 Ashkenazi Jews and one in 140 Sephardi Jews have an altered BRCA gene, compared to around one in 250 in the wider UK population.
As a result, cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer are more prevalent in Jewish communities, with up to 40% of ovarian cancer cases and 10% of breast cancer cases attributed to BRCA gene faults.
What happens after testing?
The NHS programme offers early access to screening services such as mammograms and MRI scans for people who test positive.
Individuals may also be offered preventive treatments, including surgery or medication, and may be provided with advice on lifestyle changes that can help reduce their cancer risk.
For those who test negative, the programme helps to reassure them that they are not at heightened risk.
Taking steps to control health
The testing is part of a wider NHS effort to use genetic testing to catch cancers early when they are easier to treat. The programme has been developed in collaboration with community charities Genetics and Chai Cancer Care, which have played a big role in raising awareness and encouraging participation.
They have reached many people who have come forward to test across the Jewish community.
The programme is expected to continue growing, helping even more people to take control of their health.
Not only does the programme provide early detection, the programme is also part of a larger effort to advance genomics in healthcare.
By using genetic information, the NHS is working to offer more personalised and effective treatments, ensuring that people receive care tailored to their individual needs.
Dealing with hereditary cancers
The BRCA test has been life-changing for many, with people being able to take preventive steps by undergoing pre-implantation genetic testing.
Many people have also found support in making informed decisions about their health and can now explore risk-reducing treatments to ensure they can be there for their families in the future.
The programme has also received widespread support from health professionals, with experts noting the value of such initiatives in combating hereditary cancers.
NHS representatives encourage anyone eligible to take the test, whether they’ve received a kit already or are still considering it, emphasising that most people will not carry the mutation but that those who do will benefit from early interventions that could save lives.
A national reception was held in North West England on 15 January 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness. The event helped to inform more people about the benefits of the Jewish BRCA testing programme, further encouraging more people to participate.
The NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme represents a key step forward in the fight against cancer, offering hope and prevention to many families affected by hereditary cancers.
![Figure 1. Systemic immune responses elicited by oral dmLT-saponin combinations compared to injected vaccines (A) Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) image of the dmLT and saponin formulation demonstrating the formation of acid-stable micelle particles upon the addition of saponin to dmLT. (B) Preclinical evaluation of systemic serum IgG and IgA antibody responses following prime/boost vaccination. Antibody levels against the microbial protein antigen included in the vaccination were assessed two weeks post-final vaccination in immunized mice. Groups were stratified by vaccination route (intramuscular [IM] or sublingual [SL]) and adjuvant formulation (dmLT [D] and/or saponin [S]). Comparisons with unvaccinated controls (white bars) are shown. Statistical significance between groups is indicated (*P < 0.05), with the SL D+S group achieving the best IgG and IgA responses to vaccine antigen.](https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Figure-01-100x70.jpg "New strategies for an old problem – Oral vaccines research")
