Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. They are tumour suppressor genes and play a role in protecting us from cancer. They do this by helping to prevent the cells in our bodies from growing and dividing out of control. If there is a significant alteration in either of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, they may lose the ability to protect us from a cancer developing. Having an alteration on the BRCA 1 or 2 genes can increase the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer up to 60% and an up to 90% lifetime risk of breast cancer.
In this episode we are joined by one of our Ask Eve Gynae Specialist Nurses, Tracie Miles, who is also the Associate Director of Nursing and Midwifery at NHS South West Genomic Medicine,to talk about the BRCA gene alterations and their links to cancer.We will be chatting about the gene alterations, how to spot if there might be BRCA in your family, what happens when you go through genetic testing, and what measures are available to reduce the risk of these cancers.To see more about Probably Nothing series 6, the topics and upcoming guests, visit our website, eveappeal.org.uk.
Panel Discussion
Human Interest