Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week and the future of ovarian cancer prevention
Ovarian Cancer Action introduced Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week to the UK in 2020. Here Jo Stanford, Special Projects Manager, explains what the week means to her.
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, bowel and womb are some of the cancer types you’re more likely to get if you carry a BRCA gene fault or have 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 this year?
As the leading voice for BRCA and hereditary cancer risk here in the UK, we’re here to boost awareness and connect those at high risk to the expert information they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Throughout Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week 2024 (Wednesday 25th September – Tuesday 1st 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
Support for the Ashkenazi Jewish population
People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA mutation, compared to 1 in 200 of 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 updated our Jewish hub to give anyone with 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?
- Share and engage in our posts on social media and ask your friends to share too.
- 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.
- If you have your own story to tell please get in touch! Email info@ovarian.org.uk
Read more about hereditary cancer and ovarian cancer risk
Use our hereditary cancer risk calculator
Assess your risk of having inherited a gene alteration (also known as a mutation, variant or fault) that could increase your risk of developing certain cancers. It's suitable for both men and women.
