The BRCA genetic test is designed to identify mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes—variations that significantly increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian, and certain other cancers. Around 1 in 400 people in the UK carry the gene variation1.
What is the BRCA gene?
We all have genes that help protect us against cancer by repairing the damage to our DNA caused by normal cell division (which is essential for processes such as growth and repair). When DNA is damaged, genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 instruct the cell to repair the damage, or, if the damage is too severe, they trigger the cell to die to prevent the mutation from spreading. This process helps protect the body from cancerous growths.
However, when these genes mutate (meaning they’re altered from their normal form), their ability to repair DNA can be compromised, increasing the risk of developing cancer. Public figures such as Angelina Jolie and Sharon Osbourne have openly shared their experiences with BRCA1 mutations and campaigned for proactive, early detection.
Is a BRCA genetic test right for me?
Understanding whether this test is right for you starts with a consideration of your personal and health .
You may wish to consider BRCA testing if you have a close relative (such as a parent, sibling, or child) who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, particularly at a young age. A history of cancer on either side of the family—which may include male breast cancer, multiple relatives with related history cancers, or families from an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (it is thought that 1 in 40 people with Askkenazi Jewish heritage have the BRCA variation) —may also suggest a higher genetic risk.
This test isn’t only for those with a strong family history. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer yourself, BRCA testing may provide valuable insights to help guide treatment options and inform family members of their own potential risks. BRCA testing isn’t just for women, Men (and those assigned male at birth) who carry the BRCA2 variant are more at risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer (around 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year).
Ultimately, this is a very personal decision, especially for those with children. If you carry a gene mutation, there’s a 50% chance you could pass it down to your children. For some, receiving a positive result allows them to make proactive decisions about screening, lifestyle, and, when appropriate, preventative treatments. For others, the idea of knowing their genetic risk may feel overwhelming, and they might prefer to live without this information. After all, carrying the gene variation does not guarantee cancer development—it simply means the risk is higher.
Either way, it is not a decision to take lightly. Genetic counselling is a vital part of the process, helping you fully understand the implications—both emotional and medical—of the results.
Haven Medical offer the BRCA test, following a consultation with one of our GPs who can advise on whether the test is appropriate for you.
Get in touch today to find out more – call us on 01202 110303 or email hello@thehavenmedical.com.