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Genes & Risk: What every Secondary Care Clinician should know about BRCA

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Minutes: 30

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Topic:

Genetics and Genomics, Health Inequality, Impact on family and loved ones, Patient Support, Psychological support
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Area of Practice:

Secondary Care
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Recommended for:

Allied Health Professional, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Secondary Care Doctor, Secondary Care Nurse

This session provides secondary care clinicians with a clear, practical overview of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and their growing relevance across cancer pathways, particularly prostate cancer. As genomic testing becomes increasingly integrated into routine care, clinicians need confidence in recognising when BRCA status matters, how it influences screening and treatment decisions, and how to guide patients through the NHS genetic testing process.

Drawing on extensive experience in cancer genetics and her leadership of the UK’s first nurse‑led prostate cancer genetic risk clinic, Dr Liz Bancroft will outline the foundational science behind BRCA1/2, the evidence for screening in carriers, and the therapeutic implications of BRCA‑related disease. The session will also explore the broader psychosocial and familial impact of genetic findings, including the role of genetic counselling and the importance of cascade testing.

Attention will be given to health inequalities in access to genomic services, ensuring clinicians are equipped to support all patients — and their families — with accurate information, sensitive communication, and appropriate referral pathways. This webinar forms part of the Specialists Conference 2026 and is tailored for secondary care nurses, doctors, clinical nurse specialists, and allied health professionals involved in cancer care.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be better able to:

  • Introduce the key functions and clinical relevance of BRCA1 and BRCA2
  • Evaluate the evidence and considerations for screening BRCA1/2 carriers
  • Explain how BRCA1/2 status influences treatment decisions in prostate cancer and other tumour pathways
  • Navigate NHS genetic testing pathways for prostate cancer
  • Understand the role of genetic counselling and the implications of BRCA findings for family members

Please be aware this session was recorded on 03/2026 for Specialists Conference 2026. We review our webinar content every 2 years.

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Webinar Presenter

Dr Elizabeth Bancroft (RN PhD)

Nurse Consultant in Oncogenetics Research, The Royal Marsden Hospital and Chief Nurse of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance

Dr Liz Bancroft (RN PhD) is a Nurse Consultant in Oncogenetics Research at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Chief Nurse of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. With over 20 years’ experience in Cancer Genetics, she has a specific interest in the integration of genetics into the prostate cancer screening and treatment pathway. She established and leads a nurse-led prostate cancer genetic risk clinic, providing the ideal setting to translate novel genetic technologies for prostate cancer risk-management into clinical practice. This specialist clinic is the first of its kind nationally, receiving referrals from all over the UK.

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