We have been asked to make the Jewish community aware of a form of breast cancer which is more common amongst the Ashkenazi Jewish community. This form of breast cancer is related to the BRCA1 gene. The gene can be screened for, so making it possible to prevent women who carry the gene from developing the disease.

Breast cancer is a very common illness, with 1 in 9 women developing the disease in their lifetime. In a small percentage of women (5-10%) the breast cancer can have a genetic cause.

The three genes that are related to breast cancer are known as BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 (breast cancer 1, breast cancer 2 and tumour suppressor protein 53). The faulty gene most commonly found in the Jewish community is the BRCA1 gene. Inheriting a faulty gene doesn't mean that a women automatically develops breast cancer, but it can increase a woman’s chances of this by up to 80%. The gene also carries an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

If the BRAC1 gene is found in a family, it is likely that there will be at least one or two relatives who had or have breast cancer. If this is the case for an woman, especially if the cancer developed below the age of 40, she should ask her G.P for a referral to a genetic specialist at the hospital. She can then decide if she wants a genetic test and discuss what she will do if the result is positive.

A positive BRCA1 gene test is not an easy thing to deal with, but having the knowledge that you carry this gene means you can do something about it. Regular screening is one option, as is preventative surgery (mastectomy and reconstruction) to decrease the risks.

A typical family history can illustrate this:
A woman knew her aunt, cousin and two sisters had died of breast cancer. As she came from a large family it looked like a coincidence. It was only when she developed breast cancer herself that the hospital tested her for the gene. The result was positive- a real bolt out of the blue. Now her cousin has breast cancer, as does her niece. Her daughter and another niece tested positive for the gene and both have had full mastectomies with reconstruction.

It is hoped that by making information about the BRCA1 gene more widely available amongst women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, more will be able to take preventative measures and so lives can be saved.

Further information and support is available from Breast Cancer Care
(Free helpline 0808 800 6000, www.breastcancercare.org.uk)

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