Do You Know:BRCA?

EVERYONE HAS BRCA GENES

BRCA stands for BReast CAncer susceptibility gene. There are two BRCA genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2. The BRCA genes are called “tumor suppressor” genes. When functioning normally, these genes help the body prevent cancer. They help keep breast, ovarian, and other types of cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.

Everyone has BRCA genes - one of each from your mother and one from your father.

SOME PEOPLE HAVE BRCA GENE MUTATIONS

When certain changes or “mutations” in the BRCA genes occur, cells are more likely to divide and change rapidly, which can lead to developing cancer. Breast and ovarian cancers caused by gene mutations are called “hereditary breast and ovarian cancers”. Only about 5–10% of breast and 10-15% of ovarian cancers diagnosed in the United States are associated with BRCA mutations.

Many people believe that only mothers can pass down BRCA gene mutations to their children, but this is not true. You can inherit a mutation from either of your parents. If one of your parents or siblings carries a BRCA gene mutation, you have a 50% chance of also having the mutation.

The only way to know for certain in you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation is to have a genetic test. You should meet with a trained genetic expert (e.g., genetic counselor, advanced practice nurse in genetics) and recieve genetic counseling prior to genetic testing. Most people do not need genetic counseling and testing. A genetic test will be helpful for a small number of people who have specific patterns of cancer in their families.

SOME PEOPLE ARE AT INCREASED RISK FOR A BRCA GENE MUTATION

You may be at increased risk for a mutation if your family history includes any of the following:

Multiple relatives with breast cancer
Any relatives with ovarian cancer
Relatives diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
A relative with cancer in both breasts
A relative who had both breast and ovarian cancers
A male relative with breast cancer
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Central or Eastern European) and any relative with breast or ovarian cancer
A relative with a known BRCA gene mutation

You may be at increased risk for a mutation if your personal history includes any of the following:

You were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
You have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal (lining of the abdomen) cancer at any age
You have been diagnosed with male breast cancer
You have been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer
You have been diagnosed with breast cancer more than once
You have been diagnosed with both breast and ovarian cancers
You have been diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer at any age, and you are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Central or Eastern European)
You have been diagnosed with breast cancer and you have a family member with breast or ovarian cancer

A BRCA GENE MUTATION INCREASES CANCER RISK

People with BRCA gene mutations are at increased risk for developing breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

About 50 out of 100 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will develop breast cancer by the time they turn 70 years old. By comparison, only 7 out of 100 women in the general U.S. population will develop breast cancer by the time they turn 70.
About 30 out of 100 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will develop ovarian cancer by the time they turn 70 years old. Only 1 out of 100 women in the general U.S. population will develop ovarian cancer by the time they turn 70.

BRCA gene mutations may increase the risk of fallopian tube, peritoneal (lining in the abdomen), and pancreatic cancer in women. BRCA gene mutations may increase the risk of pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancer in men.

LIVING WITH A BRCA GENE MUTATION

If you have a BRCA gene mutation, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer or to detect it earlier when treatment is most effective. Enhanced screening at an earlier age or at more frequent intervals, medicines, and risk-reducing surgeries are options to learn more about and discuss with your doctor.

If you have a BRCA gene mutation, you are not alone. There are many organizations that can help you learn more about living with a known BRCA gene mutation and to connect you with others.