Open petition: Ensure people whose parent had breast cancer under 45 can access genetic testing

Created by Elise sullivan
Closes on 8 October 2026

Update NHS genetic testing eligibility so that people whose parent was diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45 can access inherited cancer gene testing if the affected parent is deceased or unavailable for testing.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 and died at 51. I asked several times for genetic testing due to my family history but was refused because there was not considered to be enough family history information.
I am now 38 and have been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and have only now been offered genetic testing.
People should not be denied testing simply because family history information is incomplete due to bereavement.

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