You can’t pass on cancer, but you can pass on changes or alterations in genes which can increase the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer. The most well-known are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene alterations, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer (among others).
We all have the genes, some of which when altered can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. If there is a significant change (sometimes called an ‘alteration’ or ‘mutation’) to one of these genes, they may no longer work as they should. This causes an increased risk of cancer developing. It doesn’t mean someone has, or will get cancer, but they will have an increased chance of it developing in their lifetime compared to someone without the altered gene.
It is estimated that around 1 in every 400 people have an altered BRCA1 or 2 gene and are at an increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer, yet the majority of people aren’t aware they have it. People with Jewish ancestry are more likely to have an altered BRCA gene, with 1 in 40 Jewish people estimated to have such an alteration.
If someone finds out they are at an increased risk of certain cancers due to an altered gene they will be able to take measures to reduce this risk. They will be offered risk-reducing surgery (for breast and ovarian cancer) or to be closely monitored so that any cancer can be found as early as possible, when it is most treatable.
Last week NICE updated their guidelines on who can get tested for gene alterations linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. NICE guidelines are evidence-based recommendations for the healthcare you receive in England and Wales and they now include anyone who:
- Has a first or second-degree relative with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer (mother, sister, daughter, grandparent, aunt, niece, or half-sister from either their mum or dad’s side of the family)
- They have Jewish ancestry (at least one grandparent on either side of the family)
- They have a blood relative (any gender) who has been found to have a gene alteration
- Anyone who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer
This is fantastic news as many more people who may be at a higher risk of ovarian cancer will be eligible for testing and can have options to reduce or manage their risk opened up to them. Previously the only people eligible for testing were those with ovarian cancer, who had a first-degree relative with a known relevant gene alteration or who had two or more cases of breast of ovarian cancer in the family or had a family history of these cancers diagnosed when young.
We have the tools and knowledge needed to test for the known gene alterations and take measures to prevent cancer or diagnose it at the earliest stage possible when it is most treatable. So as Eve-funded researcher and genetics expert, Prof Ranjit Manchanda says, any person diagnosed with a gene alteration after a cancer diagnosis is a missed opportunity for prevention. These new guidelines will open up testing to many more people, so that we can prevent more people going through the devastating diagnosis of cancer, and ultimately save many more lives.
At The Eve Appeal, we are delighted by the guidance. We truly believe that prevention is better than cure and have been dedicated to funding research to extend genetic testing in the UK over the last 20 years, and to raising awareness of gene alterations to help prevent cancer and save lives. We have a track record of supporting researchers and their projects in this area, many of which were critical evidence that led to the change in guidance.
Three important members of Team Eve are experts in this field and worked with NICE to review the guidelines – Prof Ranjit Manchanda was the Topic Lead, Prof Adam Rosenthal and Dr Tracie Miles were specialist Committee Members. Both Prof Manchanda and Prof Rosenthal started off their career with Eve funding either all or part of their PhDs and have been firmly part of the family since. We have supported both Prof Manchanda’s and Prof Rosenthal’s careers and funded several projects, including in this very area- expanding genetic testing. Prof Rosenthal is now one of our Trustees and helps us make sure we fund the research that will have the biggest impact in preventing or early diagnosing gynae cancers as a member of our Research Advisory Committee.
If you have any questions about inherited risks and genetic testing, you can contact our Ask Eve nurses for free information and advice on nurse@eveappeal.org.uk, 0808 802 0019, or by filling in this form.