NHS now offering free BRACA testing to anyone with one Jewish grandparent

[Charlieradioalphapapa]

I’ve just read this on the Guardian online and have sent off for the saliva test kit. Eligibility is for anyone who has one Jewish DGP. As both DPS were both Ashkenazi Jews, I thought I’d fill in the online form. You just need your NHS number and the usual name, address, d.o.b,etc

Thought id post about this in case there are others, like me, who had no idea this was being offered. I know if you’ve had a known family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you would be tested, but this is for anyone of Jewish heritage.

I've been pondering this for a while and registered my interest today. Thanks to those who mentioned it earlier. It gave me the impetus to do it.

I received my test kit yesterday. I’m a bit nervous to be honest, but DH says better to have the knowledge than not. My grandfather on my father’s side was 100% Ashkenazi and my grandmother converted.

I’ve just sent off for a test (my dad was Ashkenazi) and now suddenly I’m nervous. I think the realisation that I might have to tell my (adult) children to get a test is the main worry. I know I need to take it step by step but I guess it’s natural to think of them.

I haven't done mine yet. Like with the covid tests when we had them, I'm finding it difficult to find 30 mins when I haven't been eating or drinking anything!

Reading the leaflet has freaked me out, though. I'm wondering if I even want to know. I'd be happy with extra breast screening if necessary but the rest is pretty chilling to contemplate.

In case anyone was being kept awake at night wondering - I called up and you can take part if you have two half-Jewish grandparents.

I got my results back on Friday (must have been the full 16 weeks, if not longer). I'm not a carrier.

Anyone else in the same boat? I sent off for the test in May and didn’t get it until September. I returned it within a few days, expecting to get the result by now (at the latest, given I am in my 50s so higher risk). Instead I was breezily emailed end of November saying my sample had only just been submitted to the labs and would take 16 weeks, so result will be emailed by the middle of March. I feel really let down and abandoned. So much for genetic counselling and support.

@SouperWoman exactly the same here. The odd thing was, the envelope for sending it back was guaranteed 24 hour delivery!

Similar here. My '12-16 weeks' is basically February. But TBH I don't feel anything about it. The wait doesn't change anything. It will come when it comes, and if I have to think about it, that's when I will think about it.

I was absolutely going to do this - I'm fully Jewish by ethnicity and my grandmother had breast cancer at 42 - but it's only in England and I live in Scotland. Just in case anyone else finds themselves on this thread in the same situation.

Yes, I'm in Scotland. I was wondering this as I read the thread...thanks for confirming.

Just got my results: no gene faults found.

🤞 for everyone awaiting results.

That’s great news Dilbertian. I got mine back in November. Also clear.

I’m waiting for my results. Could be up to 16 weeks. I think it’s highly unlikely they will find anything, and I’m only about a quarter Jewish anyway, but I felt I should do it just in case.

I finally got my results back two weeks ago. All clear. Bit of a relief as I already have a gene mutation for malignant melanoma.

Just to let people know that this testing programme ends at the end of the year. If you know anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent, let them know about the programme.

Thanks for sharing this OP I wasn't aware of it. Part of me feels I would rather not know but I think it's probably a good idea to do it.

Just received a very apologetic email saying the current processing time for results is 32 weeks!

I’d say that’s about how long I waited. It’s good that so many people have taken part.

I have just looked this up as my two youngest have a Jewish grandparent but it seems registration is now closed. Hopefully they will reopen it once the backlog has been cleared.

jewishbrca.org/

Yes, it's really good that the programme has been so well utilised. I'd completely forgotten that I'd done it!

For anyone who hasn’t done it, I read that they will re-open registration in 2026.