Gene variant known to increase risk of breast and ovarian cancer identified in people with Orkney islands heritage
Researchers believes the Orkney link arose from a single founder hundreds of years ago on the isle of Westray
The researchers also discovered the specific Orkney gene variant in smaller numbers in genetic testing across the UK and even in the US. The BRCA genes are present in every person, both men and women, but when a fault occurs in one of them it can result in DNA damage and lead to cells becoming cancerous.Awareness of the faulty gene was raised a decade ago when Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy after discovering she had a BRCA1 variant.
As genetic testing grew, the team saw the same gene variant appearing time after time and became suspicious of its significance. Linda has three daughters and said it would be tough to think she might have passed the gene variant to them.Grandparents from Westray Currently in Scotland the test is available to those who know of a direct family connection to the gene or have a history of ovarian or breast cancer in their family.
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