Dominant conditions

Dominant genetic conditions occur in an individual with only one faulty copy of a dominant condition-causing gene. The faulty copy is passed down from either the mother OR the father. Two examples of genes that can cause a dominant genetic condition when one copy is faulty are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Faults in these two genes increase the risk of a woman developing breast and/or ovarian cancer and are more common among the Ashkenazi Jewish population in comparison to the general population.

• Genetic screening for faults in these genes determines whether an individual is at a higher than average risk of developing cancer. If either a man or a woman carries one BRCA fault then all of their children have a 50% chance of carrying the faulty gene as well. A new screening program offers BRCA testing to the Jewish community.

For more information, go to the links below:

• School Screening Program

• Community Screening Program

• BRCA Community Screening Program

• Diseases

• FAQs