BRCA Gene Mutation
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are gene mutations that increase a person’s risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer. In fact, abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may account for up to 10 percent of all breast cancers. People testing positive for these genes have a lifetime risk for breast cancer as high as 85 percent, and a risk of nearly 50 percent for ovarian cancer compared to 7 percent and 1 percent for the general population.
BRCA genes can be passed from the mother’s or father’s side of the family, and children have a 50 percent chance of carrying the gene if their parent is affected. Likewise, parents and siblings of affected individuals have a 50 percent chance of also being affected. Men with these mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer and possibly prostate cancer, especially if the BRCA2 gene is affected, and possibly of prostate cancer.
Today, testing can be done on certain individuals with an increased risk of carrying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations through a simple blood draw or mouth swab. Knowing this risk can help patients and their doctors make more informed decisions before cancer develops.
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer, you may be a candidate for gene testing. Call 419.420.8473 to understand if genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer is right for you.