Dr Dan Reisel, a Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Women’s Cancer at UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health and his team are developing a digital tool to help people with a BRCA gene alteration understand their options and make informed decisions about their health.
BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene alterations increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer.
Knowing you have a BRCA gene alteration gives you vital options to understand, manage and reduce your risk of cancer with closer monitoring and/or preventive treatments. It does however mean that women and people with gynae organs are faced with difficult decisions to make about their health and family planning.
A recent survey by Dr Dan Reisel found that most people have limited knowledge about BRCA alterations before their own diagnosis, and struggled to find clear, reliable and relevant information. Many turned to internet searches and online forums that may be inaccurate or confusing.
The decision tool will be created together with people with BRCA alterations and cancer specialists to help ensure it is accurate and easy to use. The team hopes the tool will be shared through NHS clinics, GP practices, health charities and support services.
I am very grateful to The Eve Appeal for funding this project. People with BRCA alterations are often asked to make life-changing decisions at a time of great uncertainty. By working with and learning from those who have already been through this experience, we hope to reduce that uncertainty for others. This support allows us to create a clear, trustworthy tool that helps people understand their options and feel more informed and confident about their decisions.
Further links
- Dr Dan Reisel’s academic profile
- UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences
- The Eve Appeal
Image
- Main image: Dr Dan Reisel
- Image and Video Credit: The Eve Appeal
Dr Zachary Nash receives funding for study to predict surgical menopausal outcomes
Dr Zachary Nash and his team at UCL are running a feasibility study to predict which women will experience persistent menopausal symptoms after having risk-reducing surgery for ovarian cancer.
05 Feb 2026
Boys can help break taboo around periods
Period education in school is too focused on biological aspects and not enough on how menstruation affects mood and wellness, plus boys are not educated enough on menstruation, finds a new study.
20 Aug 2025
UCL academics elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences
Eight UCL researchers have been elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of their ground-breaking research and delivery of new benefits to patients.
22 May 2025