A genetic testing programme for a cancer risk variant found in people with Westray ancestry is to be rolled out across Scotland. The charitably funded project will identify carriers of a BRCA1 gene variant, which increases the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and a similar BRCA2 variant common in people with Whalsay ancestry.
The two-year project, costing over £365,000, is funded by eight charities and led by researchers from the University of Aberdeen and NHS North of Scotland Genetics Services. Around 5,000 tests are planned across Orkney, Shetland, Grampian, Highland, Tayside, Lothian, and Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS areas.
The screening uses a simple saliva test and will be available to people who may not otherwise know they are at increased risk. Currently, BRCA testing in Scotland is limited to those with a known family connection or history of related cancers, but research has shown these specific variants are more common in people with Westray or Whalsay ancestry, even without a known family history.
Professor Zosia Miedzybrodzka, who leads the project, said the initiative offers an opportunity to identify people at higher risk before they develop cancer. 'For those who test positive, it means we can offer genetic counselling, further testing, screening, and referral into local genetics services,' she said.
The programme builds on a pilot trial in Westray in 2023, funded by Westray Development Trust. Testing will begin next year in Orkney, then move to Whalsay and the rest of Shetland, with mainland rollout aimed for 2028.
Source: orcadian.co.uk
