Genetic test to identify cancer risk

WOMEN with a history of ovarian cancer will be tracked down and advised to undergo genetic testing to safeguard their children against the disease under an ambitious national program.

The project expects to prevent about 800 ovarian cancers and more than 2000 breast cancers and will target women who had ovarian cancer before genetic testing became regulated in 2013.

One-in-five women with the most common ovarian cancer carry a genetic risk, with BRAC1 and BRAC2 the most common cancer-causing gene mutations. The women will be sought out through earlier research projects, specialist clinics and a publicity campaign that will urge them to undergo testing.

If a woman carries the gene, the risk of her daughter also carrying it is 50 per cent.