Woman with 'Viking gene' says project picked up breast cancer early

A Shetland woman says she’s “so lucky” after a simple gene test 12 years ago picked up her breast cancer early.

Christine Glaser from Lerwick took part in the Viking Genes project, which offers those living on the island the chance to find out if they carry the BRCA2 gene.

In 2023, Christine found out she had a high risk of developing cancer, before later discovering she already had it, but was saved after accepting the recommendation for preventative surgery.

The Viking Genes study examines the DNA of those with ancestry links to Orkney and Shetland.

It’s estimated that one in 40 people with heritage from the Island of Whalsay has a faulty gene, which is one of the most common genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer in women.