S7 Ep7: Understanding BRCA: Naomi’s 80% cancer risk

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, we explore the role of genetics in cancer risk, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, specifically in Jewish populations. Naomi shares her powerful story after discovering she carries the BRCA2 gene mutation following the loss of her mum to ovarian cancer. With an 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer, She faced life-changing decisions, and opted for risk-reducing surgery. Naomi speaks about what it’s like to live with that knowledge, how it shaped her choices, and why taking preventative action gave her a sense of control. She also shares the impact of her gene mutation on her children, and how they've dealt with it as a family. We’re also joined by Josh from Jnetics, a Jewish genetic disorders charity, who explains the science behind BRCA gene mutations, why they increase cancer risk, and why they are more common in people with Jewish ancestry. He also outlines how testing works, who may be eligible, and what support is available. Breast Cancer Now Website: https://breastcancernow.org Free helpline: 0808 800 6000 Jewish BRCA Testing Programme (NHS England) Register interest: https://www.jewishbrca.org Helpline: 020 3437 6001 Jnetics https://www.jnetics.org Chai Cancer Care https://www.chaicancercare.org You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key topics: 1:29 Getting to know Naomi and Josh 4:00 A history of cancer in Naomi's family 7:50 Naomi is tested for the BRCA gene mutation 9:35 What is a genetic mutation or gault? 12:20 Why is the BRCA gene mutation more common in Jewish populations? 17:24 What is BRCA, how does it work, and why does it break? 20:38 Naomi's increased risk of cancer 23:32 Naomi makes the choice to have risk-reducing surgery 27:01 The psychological impact of risk-reducing surgery 28:34 Support for carriers of gene mutations 31:53 How to get tested for BRCA gene mutations 35:52 Coping with the fear of having genetic testing 37:52 Naomi decides how to deal with her daughters potentially being BRCA carriers 39:47 Dealing with feelings of guilt passing on a genetic mutation to a child 41:15 Preventing gene mutations with IVF 42:20 Research into fixing faulty genes 44:06 Cultural barriers to genetic testing within Jewish populations 46:51 Hope for the future of genetic mutations 50:08 More information for people with Jewish heritage BRCA gene, BRCA2, breast cancer risk, genetic testing UK, hereditary cancer, ovarian cancer risk, mastectomy prevention, cancer genetics, Jewish BRCA, NHS genetic testing, breast cancer awareness UK