Vicki Kiesel featured in BBC2 documentary DNA Family Secrets.

BBC2 has launched a new documentary following families as they explore the impact of genetic testing on their health and/or knowledge of their ancestry.

Vicki Kiesel was delighted to support Duri through genetic counselling and testing for a family history of ovarian cancer. Following an hour-long discussion which explored Duri’s family history as well as the emotional and practical implications of genetic testing, Duri decided to go ahead with genetic testing for ovarian cancer. This test looked at 9 genes known to be linked with ovarian cancer. In Duri’s case, the test was thankfully normal and Vicki was able to reassure her that she was not at high risk of ovarian cancer and did not need to consider any risk reducing options.

Vicki comments “it was a pleasure to support Duri through genetic testing and particularly to be able to reassure her that her family history should not stop her having a family. Understandably as a young woman, one of Duri’s biggest concerns was whether she would be able to have children. I was delighted to tell her that, even for women, with a high risk of ovarian cancer, we usually do not recommend surgery at such at young age and therefore there was no reason she couldn’t have a family.”

View the episode here.