NHS England Offers Free Genetic Cancer Tests to People with Jewish Ancestry

The initiative aims to detect faulty BRCA genes, which increase the risk of certain cancers, with a goal to test 30,000 people over the next two years.

People with Jewish ancestry in England will be offered free genetic tests to detect their risk of developing certain cancers due to faulty BRCA genes.
Those with Jewish ancestry are six times more likely to carry faulty BRCA genes, which increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.
The testing program, run by NHS England, will allow anyone over 18 with at least one Jewish grandparent to order a saliva test kit online, which can be completed at home.
Those found to have faulty BRCA genes will be given early access to cancer detection services and may be offered preventative surgery or medication, along with advice on risk-reducing lifestyle changes.
The aim of the national rollout is to test 30,000 people over the next two years.