Arlene Rose is 69 and received a positive test earlier this year after joining the NHS BRCA Screening programme. This is her story.
“In November 2023, my daughter-in-law sent me a WhatsApp message linking to the NHS BRCA Screening programme stating, ‘I am getting tested, are you?’
“As an Ashkenazi Jew, I thought to myself, why not? The test arrived promptly, and I sent it off in early December without a second thought. So, it was a huge shock to open the results letter in early January to find out that I had the BRCA gene mutation that could lead to several cancers, including ovarian. I was in such a dilemma and just didn’t know what to do. I am a mother, so of course my first thought was for my children. How do I present this news to my family? My son has a daughter, what if he has the same?
“A week later I was called by a genetic counsellor who spent an hour on the phone explaining what the results meant. I was sent a form to complete to look at my family history and explore potential risks. He was fantastic but I knew I needed some form of counselling. The NHS did offer this service to me, but a friend of mine had received support from Chai Cancer Care* and as they are based close to my house, I contacted them. They have been wonderful. During the sessions, they helped me to work out how to look after my own physical and mental health, discussed options to have screening and much more.
“The service received from the NHS has also been excellent. I have seen so many different people, had many tests and a range of scans, as well as consultations and a follow up call with the genetic counsellor. It is not about sympathy, but empathy, and I have been so well looked after at every stage of this process. This service is absolutely brilliant, and I urge anyone with Jewish ancestry to get tested. I am in a much better place now, thanks to the care of the NHS, Chai and wonderful support from my friends and my partner. This programme really is a bit of a life saver!”
Arlene is now on the waiting list for surgery to remove her ovaries to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Her children are considering whether to get tested.
*Chai Cancer Care provides free, professional and expert support to any member of the Jewish community affected by cancer, as well as their family and friends.
