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Use our checker to find out if you're eligible for genetic testing to better understand your cancer risks. It's suitable for both men and women.
Why is Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week important?
When is Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week?
Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week takes place from the end of September (Gynae Cancer Awareness Month) to the start of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) to recognise the two main cancer risks associated with BRCA genetic faults.
Our genes play a big role in our risk of cancer
It's estimated up to 10% of all cancers diagnosed are linked to a genetic fault that can be passed from one generation to the next. Ovarian, breast, prostate, pancreatic, bowel and womb are some of the cancer types you’re more likely to get if you carry a BRCA gene fault or have Lynch syndrome.
But despite the risks, according to our latest research 75% of the general public have never heard of BRCA and 84% of people have never heard of Lynch syndrome.
What’s on the agenda this year?
As one of the leading voices for BRCA and hereditary cancer risk here in the UK, we’re here to boost awareness and connect those at high risk to the expert information they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Throughout Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week 2025 we'll be sharing a range of facts, statistics and stories about genetic cancer risk across our socials - as well as re-launching our Hereditary Cancer Risk Checker.
Support for the Ashkenazi Jewish population
People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA mutation, compared to 1 in 200 of the general population. Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you have BRCA1/2 mutation then there is a 50% chance of passing the mutation on to your children, whether they are boys or girls.
That's why we've updated our Jewish hub to give anyone with Jewish heritage all the information and support they need.
Get the information you need at our hub
How can I get involved?
- Share and engage in our posts on social media and ask your friends to share too.
- Take the control – have the knowledge and understanding to make the right choice for you; use our Hereditary Cancer Risk Checker to see if you're eligible for genetic testing.
- If you have your own story to tell please share with our content team, via the form on our website.
Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week and the future of ovarian cancer prevention
Ovarian Cancer Action introduced Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week to the UK in 2020. Here Jo Stanford, Special Projects Manager, explains what the week means to her.
