Blog

Men and BRCA: what you need to know

Demetra Georgiou is a Principal Genetic Counsellor at Imperial College Healthcare (Charing Cross Hospital). She answers our top questions about men and BRCA.

Retired farmer's mission to support Ovarian Cancer Action as tribute to his late wife

When Evelyn Wigley passed away 2015 from ovarian cancer, her husband Emyr decided to combat the "evil disease" in her memory.

He created The Old Stackyard British Blues, a closed breeding herd of pedigree British Blue cattle. Due to a recent injury, Mr Wigley has decided to sell his herd of 33 cattle in March, hoping to raise £100,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). 

"At-risk women in England must be supported, not penalised with HRT prescription charges"

Government pledges to lower HRT prescription costs and provide better support for women going through menopause after MPs debate the Menopause Bill.

Can you help shape Sarah’s BRCA film project?

Sarah, one of the founding members of our Next Generation Women's Collective, discovered in 2019 that she carries an altered BRCA1 gene which puts her at increased risk of several types of cancer. She is passionate about raising awareness of BRCA and ovarian cancer in particular. She has big plans for a project to do just that- and she needs your help!

"When I was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer I was scared about the implications for my fertility"

Louise Temperley was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2011. Ten years on, she shares her story and her journey to motherhood.

Rare genetic mutations of ovarian cancer

Although there is lots of information available for those with a BRCA gene mutation or Lynch syndrome, there is far less information available about are rarer genetic mutations that can also increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Here we look at some of the lesser known gene mutations linked to the disease.

Research Study, take part: How ovary removal impacts your brain

A team of researchers from the Einstein Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto are looking for volunteers to help in their research looking at how hormones impact cognition. 

Genetic testing: a numbers game

OCA’s Head of Public Affairs and Research Marie-Claire Platt explores why offering everybody the choice to be tested (population testing) could give many the opportunity to catch cancer early or prevent it before it happens. 

Christen Williams: "You cannot do it alone, and you do not need to"

Christen Williams talks to us about the friends she made and support she found in the wonderful community of BRCA carriers following her own diagnosis. 

Rachel: Reflecting on my BRCA diagnosis eight years on

Rachel reflects on her BRCA diagnosis and the importance of genetic testing within the Jewish community.

Calling all male BRCA carriers

Men are just as likely to carry a BRCA mutation as women. Boston College is recruiting BRCA+ men to help improve their experience. 

The PROTECTOR Study

The PROTECTOR study explores a possible two-step surgery process, removing the fallopian tubes and then the ovaries when the patient is close to menopause.

International DNA Day

April 25th is International DNA Day, commemorating the day that papers by James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin, and their colleagues on the structure of DNA were published in Nature. 

"It was only through my two sisters having cancer that I discovered my genetic status"

Lorraine Benn is the youngest of four sisters. After the eldest two were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she and her sister Susan elected to have hysterectomies as a precaution. Following this surgery, Lorraine’s histology results came back showing that she had ovarian cancer. 

Who do you think you are? How discovering your genetic status could impact your health

Analysing your DNA can help you to discover crucial information about your health. But it can also be a lifesaver.

"I loved my experience at the lab, and hearing about Jon's work was the highlight of the day"

Gift Hamisi has a family history of ovarian cancer, and was recently tested for the BRCA gene mutation, to discover if she also faced a high risk. We invited her to meet Dr Jonathan Krell at the Ovarian Cancer Research Centre, whose work focuses on hereditary mutations. 

Ovarian cancer debate to take place in the House of Commons

A debate on ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment is going to take place in the House of Commons on 30th October 2018 at 9:30 am and we need your help to get as many MPs to attend as possible.

"My story proves how important it is to have an understanding of your family history"

Jess, 24, discovered she was BRCA2+ after her father was contacted by a relative who had tested positive. She describes the ups-and-downs of the past year, and why she now feels empowered by knowing her genetic status.

"Before I was told I was BRCA positive, I had very limited knowledge of what it was"

Andrea is 40, and mum to three girls. She recently discovered both she and her youngest daughter are BRCA2 positive.

I'm a BRCA-carrier — should I have a hysterectomy?

A topic that comes up regularly amongst BRCA mutation carriers is whether it is necessary to have a full hysterectomy at the same time as having their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. To get an expert view, we asked Mr Adam Rosenthal, Consultant Gynaecologist, UCLH to clear up the confusion.