Volunteer data from the Viking Health Study – Shetland (VIKING 1) has linked a variant in the gene BRCA2 to a historic origin in Whalsay.
The research has found that one in 40 people who have four grandparents from Whalsay share the same variant in the BRCA2 gene. This variant increases the chance of developing breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. Most breast, ovarian and prostate cancers start due to chance damage, however, some people inherit a variant in a gene which increases their change of developing cancer. BRCA2 works in this way.
Our priority at NHS Shetland is, as always, the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. Developing cancer is not solely down to carrying the BRCA2 mutation alone, there are many complex factors, and some people with gene alterations will not get cancer.
Genetic research is an important part of medical science and can inform the services the NHS offers.
We appreciate the research findings may cause some anxiety and hope that the additional information in the Frequently Asked Questions section is useful.
For anyone that has concerns about any new or worrying symptoms, it is important they speak to their GP. Although it is unlikely to be cancer, it is important that any indicated investigations can be carried out. Finding cancer early means it's easier to treat.
You can find general information about cancer screening on our website, Screening Services – NHS Shetland.
There is also information about the Viking Genes research here, Two founder variants account for 90% of pathogenic BRCA alleles in Orkney and Shetland | Viking Genes (ed.ac.uk)