Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week

Back in September 2020 we presented the UK’s first Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness and sharing information about hereditary cancer. We want you to be empowered with information, this includes information about you and your family history. Because with the right information, this could save someones life. 

Our genes play a big role in our risk of cancer

It's estimated up to 10% of all cancers diagnosed are linked to a genetic fault that can be passed from one generation to the next. Ovarian, breast, prostate, pancreatic and bowel are some of the cancer types you’re more likely to get if you carry a BRCA mutation or Lynch syndrome. But despite the risks, according to our latest research 75% of the general public have never heard of BRCA and 84% of people have never heard of Lynch syndrome. What's more we know many are unaware that a family history of cancer could put them at risk of these genetic faults. We’re here to change that.

What’s on the agenda in 2023? 

As the leading voice for BRCA and hereditary cancer risk here in the UK, we’re here to boost awareness and connect those at-risk to the expert information they need to make informed decisions about their future. 

Throughout Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week (Monday 25th September - Sunday 1nd October) we'll be sharing a range of content on genetic risk - from stories and films, to bite-sized information all about our genetics and hereditary cancer. We'll be sharing thoughts from the experts, stories from people who have had genetic testing and more 

Have you taken our risk tool yet?

We're encouraging everyone to take our Hereditary Cancer Risk Tool, to understand their risk and what to do next - have you completed it? if you have, thank you - please tell your friends and family. If you haven't, have you got a few minutes spare? It could change your life - take control.

Support for the Ashkenazi Jewish population

People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA mutation, making them 10 times as likely to carry a BRCA mutation as someone in the general population. Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you have BRCA1/2 mutation then there is a 50% chance of passing the mutation on to your children, whether they are boys or girls.

That's why we've launched our hub to give anyone with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage all the information and support they need - stories from those who've had to make difficult choices, important information about your risk and what do next, and videos to help you understand more about your risk.

Get the information you need at our hub 

How can I get involved?

• Take our Hereditary Cancer Risk Tool and ask your friends and family to
  
• Share and engage in our posts on social media
• Take the control - have the knowledge and understanding to make the right choice for you; don't let faulty genes make the choice for you