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The NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme

In 2024, NHS England launched a free, dedicated at-home testing service to identify individuals of Jewish ancestry who may have a higher risk of inheriting a BRCA gene fault.

Registrations closed on 31st October 2025, and during the time the programme was open, over 43,000 people registered for a test. Over 500 people were found to carry a faulty BRCA gene: These people are now able to access regular surveillance and/or potentially life-saving preventative treatment.

What to do now registration has closed

I registered but didn’t send my test back yet - what happens now?

Although registration has now closed, if you signed up you still have time to send in your sample, so please do so when you can.

If you haven’t received your kit yet, you will be sent a saliva sample pack in the post by 31 March 2026, which you can complete and return then. The genetic counsellor helpline will also remain open for people if they have queries.

NHS Jewish Testing Programme Genetic Counsellor Helpline:

020 3437 6001 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, extended to 7pm Wednesdays)

What if I didn’t register - have I missed the chance to be tested?

BRCA testing for those of Jewish ancestry will continue. The NHS Cancer Programme and the NHS Genomics Programme are working to finalise how this will work, which should be in place in 2026.

If you have Jewish ancestry and would like a test, you are able to submit an expression of interest here: https://nhsjewishbrcaprogramme.org.uk.

People who submit an expression of interest will be the first in the queue to receive the registration link when the new arrangements are in place.

If you have questions about BRCA testing and your eligibility, you can contact jewishbrca.programme@nhs.net or the genetic counsellor helpline 020 3437 6001.

I have Jewish ancestry and a family history of cancer. What should I do?

Take a look at our Hereditary Cancer Risk Checker, our free online tool which checks

whether you might be eligible for genetic testing on the basis of your family history or your own cancer diagnosis.

The next step is to visit your GP to discuss this in more detail and ask for a referral to your local genetics team. It is important to share your Jewish ancestry with your GP as this impacts your eligibility for genetic testing.

What is BRCA?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes we all have. When working correctly, they help repair DNA damage and prevent cancer. But some people carry a fault or mutation in one of these genes, which significantly increases their risk of certain cancers:

  • Breast
  • Ovarian
  • Prostate
  • Pancreatic

These genetic faults can be passed down from either parent and affect both men and women.

Cancer Risks with BRCA Gene Faults

Everyone faces some risk of developing cancer in their lifetime, but having a BRCA gene fault can significantly increase that risk, particularly for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

When it comes to ovarian cancer, the risk for the general population is about 1.5%. But for those with a BRCA1 fault, the risk increases to between 36% and 53%. For those with a BRCA2 fault, the lifetime risk is between 11% and 25%.

It’s important to remember that while these numbers represent average estimates, individual risk can vary depending on other factors, such as family history, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. The key takeaway is that BRCA gene faults significantly raise the likelihood of developing certain cancers, which is why identifying and managing these risks early can be lifesaving.

Jewish Ancestry and BRCA

If you have Jewish ancestry, Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi or otherwise, you may be at increased risk of carrying a BRCA gene fault:

  • 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews
  • 1 in 140 Sephardi Jews
  • Compared to 1 in 250 in the general UK population

About the genetic testing programme

Before you test – things to consider:

BRCA testing is personal, and knowing your result can have emotional and practical implications. Consider the following:

  • How will this information affect you emotionally?
  • Are you planning a family?
  • How might your result impact relatives?
  • Is this the right time in your life to take this step?

You can talk things through first:

  • NHS Genetic Counsellor Helpline: +44 20 3437 6001
    (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, extended to 7pm Wednesdays)
  • Chai Cancer Care Counsellors: 0808 808 4567

FAQs

Why Now?

This NHS programme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to catch cancer risk before it becomes cancer. It is open to all eligible individuals in England, regardless of family history.

Similar nationwide testing is already offered in Israel. By expanding access here, we can prevent more cancers and save more lives in the UK’s Jewish community.

The programme is due to close in Autumn 2025 - so we encourage you to get tested sooner rather than later.

Yes, if you’re 18+ and have at least one Jewish grandparent. If you're unsure of your grandparents heritage, it is worth having the conversation with your GP.

Absolutely, BRCA gene faults affect both men and women. You can find out more about men and BRCA on our hereditary hub.

Currently, this programme is only available to residents of England. Please speak to your GP if you want to get tested outside of England.

Yes, this testing is recommended even without a cancer diagnosis or known family mutation.

You can check your eligibility using our hereditary cancer risk calculator to better understand what may affect your cancer risk and support your conversion with your GP.