BRCare Connect CIC

Some days, the work happens behind closed doors.

Today took me to Sheffield for a really positive meeting to explore how BRCare Connect CIC can work alongside established cancer support services.

One of the things I've realised through my own BRCA+ journey is that there can be a huge gap between hearing, "You carry a BRCA gene variant," and knowing what happens next. It can feel overwhelming, lonely and full of questions.

That's the gap I'm trying to help bridge.

BRCare Connect CIC isn't here to replace the amazing work already happening. It's here to complement it by raising awareness, providing trusted information, creating a supportive community and helping people feel less alone while they navigate their own journey.

Every conversation like today's brings us one step closer to making that support available to more people.

I'm also incredibly grateful to the wonderful women who continue to champion BRCare Connect. You know who you are, and I couldn't do this without you. 💚🩷

There are some exciting things in the pipeline, so keep an eye on this page...

If you'd like to find out more about BRCare Connect CIC, our monthly BRCafè meet-ups or the resources we're building, please do get in touch. We'd love to have you with us.

What a way to spend a day!

Just returned from a super inspirational, insightful and emotional day getting my melons out in public. Not because, that's what I ordinarily do on a morning, but to attend a photoshoot to raise breast health awareness.
..and what a day it's been!

check your girls, girls! It could 100% save your life # # #

John Ambulance England

BRCA+ Testing for People with Jewish Ancestry

🩷 Well, this is brilliant news.

If you have Jewish ancestry, this one is definitely worth knowing about.

BRCA+ gene faults are much more common in the Jewish community than in the wider population. Around 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish people and 1 in 140 Sephardi Jewish people carry a faulty BRCA gene, compared with around 1 in 250 people in the general UK population. That's why this announcement is such a big deal. 💚

The NHS has confirmed that the Jewish BRCA testing programme is becoming a permanent service, following an incredibly successful pilot.

Already, almost 44,000 people have registered for testing, with more than 700 people found to carry a BRCA+ gene fault. That's hundreds of families who now have information that could help them make informed decisions about their health and potentially prevent cancer. (Figures shared by Jnetics.)

If you've been sitting on the fence, wondering whether genetic testing is something you should look into, maybe this is your little nudge. 😊

Knowing isn't about living in fear.

Knowing gives you choices.
Knowing gives you time.
Knowing gives you the chance to look after yourself and the people you love.

The current programme isn't accepting new registrations just yet, but you can register your interest so you're one of the first to hear when it reopens.

🩷 One conversation.
🩷 One test.
🩷 One decision.
It really can change a life.

Love always,

Nicky x

Sources
NHS England
Hundreds of people at increased cancer risk identified by new NHS BRCA testing programme (January 2025)
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/01/hundreds-of-people-at-increased-cancer-risk-identified-by-new-nhs-brca-testing-programme/
NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme
Official programme website
https://nhsjewishbrcaprogramme.org.uk/
Jnetics
NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme to become permanent
https://www.jnetics.org/nhs-jewish-brca-testing-programme-to-become-permanent/

This was me after double mastectomy and reconstruction in 2018.

Not an easy ride. Gotta laugh as not to cry # # #