In March 2023 our genetics team announced the link between a variant in the gene BRCA1 to a historic origin in Westray, Orkney. To allow planning for a future wider rollout of testing for the variant which causes a high chance of breast and ovarian cancer in women, our team have worked with the Westray community and GPs to set up a pilot program.  

Adults living on Westray who have a Westray-born grandparent can now collect a saliva kit from the GP surgery or the Westray development trust. To learn more about the variant and testing read our FAQs (pdf)

Emma, our genetic counsellor, explains more about what to think about before having a test:

Prof Zosia explains here how to do the saliva test:

Completed kits should be dropped off at the Westray GP surgery. A letter with your test result will be posted about 5 weeks from the time your saliva arrives in Aberdeen.

Learn more about the gene in this video:

This pilot is possible due to a grant from Westray Development Trust.

View the full published research at: www.nature.com/articles/s41431-023-01297-w

View this patient information, for all patients, prepared by the North of Scotland Medical Genetics.

NHS Grampian is running a helpline for queries about the gene variant linked to breast and ovarian cancer for those who have grandparents from Orkney. The number to call is 01224 553940 and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. E-mail enquiries can be directed to gram.orkBRCAgene@nhs.scot. GPs will not be able to assist with gene testing and any questions about this research and next steps should be directed to the helpline.

 

Published: 28/11/2023 11:11