The NHS announced today that it will be significantly expanding BRCA genetic testing for the Jewish community in a bid to detect those at higher risk before cancer develops.

Around one in 40 Jews are carriers of BRCA gene mutations that increase the risk of developing certain cancers. The figure in the general population is one in 400.

The gene affects both men and women and raises the risk of developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, among others, by around 70 per cent.

The expanded scheme – likely to launch early next year – will allow people with at least one Jewish grandparent to self-refer for genetic testing to see if they are a carrier.

Communal charity Jnetics reports being “inundated” with inquiries following the announcement. “We’re very excited,” chief executive Nicole Gordon told the JC. “It’s a very big win for us as a community."

Ms Gordon, a member of the NHS BRCA Expert Group along with Katrina Sarig, Project Director, The Jewish Hereditary Cancer Review, said it was vital that proper support and guidance was available after testing. “Genetic counselling is going to form a huge part of this. What’s really important is that they’re not just left hanging; that they get all the support they need to help them in making [health] decisions.”

She added that although at an early stage, “we are proud to be working on such an innovative and important project”.

Restricted BRCA testing is currently available for people with a family history of cancers. For more details, see the NHS website here.