Like many folk Westray Development Trust were surprised by the announcement in March that 1 in 100 people with grandparents born in Orkney have this gene alteration. Researchers have pinpointed this alteration starting in Westray a few hundred years ago. Women with the alteration in BRCA1 have a higher chance of developing breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. We also wondered how can we help?
We are delighted to announce that the board unanimously agreed to release £15,000 from our Community Turbine Funds to pay for the pilot testing in Westray this year. Included in this is the rapid roll out, test costs and personal support offered by NHS Grampian and Aberdeen University
Being able to help with the Westray part of the testing will mean that any other funds secured by the Genetics team now or in the future will go further and inevitably help our friends and family further afield.
Why get tested?
Benefits of testing are that you will be offered additional breast screening. Tests can be offered to other relatives. They are also able to make an informed decision on how they want to proceed with any surgery to reduce their chances of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.
Where can you get more information?
If you would like to find out more or chat through any concerns you can contact the duty Genetic Counsellor directly on 01224 553940 or email [email protected]