We've got 20,000 genes in our bodies. And we don't know what most of them do yet.

Anju describes genes as our instructions for how we grow and develop. It’s like our own recipe book. Mutated genes are effectively like spelling mistakes or missing words in that recipe book.

If you look like your mum, you're going to inherit her health problems.

Anju says that while you might have your mum’s blue eyes, that doesn’t mean you’re going to get her ailments. In this episode, Anju guides us through how genes are passed from generation to generation.

Most of the cancers that people get are inherited.

In fact, most cancerous cell mutations are down to environmental factors. Only about 3-5% of all cancers are due to an inherited gene mutation.

You’re as likely to get the mutated ovarian cancer gene from your dad as you are from your mum.

It’s a misconception that mutated genes, like BRCA, are only passed down the maternal line. Dads can be carriers of mutated breast and ovarian cancer genes too. That’s what happened to Michelle Heaton. The TV presenter and chart-topping pop star found out she was carrying the mutated dominant gene, BRCA2 in 2012. Having the mutated BRCA2 gene significantly increases someone’s chances of getting breast or ovarian cancer. Michelle tells us about her decision to undergo a double mastectomy and total hysterectomy to reduce the risk of contracting the disease - and her fears that she may have passed the mutated gene on to her young daughter. 

Anju talks about the counselling support available to women to help reach the right decision for them if they are carrying a mutated gene like BRCA. And she says it’s important that women and men who feel they are at risk of cancer see their GP or get expert advice from consultant clinical geneticists or genetic counsellors, rather than seek out tests online.