Mutations in the BRCA I & II genes can increase your risk of developing certain cancers. This is due to the fact that these genes help fix damaged DNA in your body, but when they are mutated, your body has a harder time repairing the damage, which can lead to cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancer.
If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, or other related cancers, or if you are worried about your genetic health, it is always a good idea to talk to a doctor. Testing is especially recommended if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, or have Ashkenazi Jewish, Norwegian, Dutch, or Icelandic ancestry (as mutations are more common in these groups). It is also a good idea if someone in your family has tested positive for a BRCA mutation. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Inheritance & Risk Factors
Women with a BRCA I mutation have a 60 – 80% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, which is much higher than the general population’s risk of about 12 – 13%. They also have a 40 – 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer.
For women with a BRCA II mutation, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 50 – 70%, and the risk of ovarian cancer is 20 – 30%. This mutation also increases the chance of getting a second breast cancer if the person has already had it.
The BRCA I & II gene mutations can be passed down from either parent. While there is a 50% chance of passing the mutation on, it is not guaranteed that the child will inherit the same mutation if a parent carries it.
Factors to consider before taking the BRCA gene test include:
- A history of breast cancer before the age of 50
- A history of breast cancer diagnoses affecting both breasts
- A history of triple-negative breast cancer before the age of 60
- A history of breast & ovarian cancer
- Having two or more relatives with breast cancer
- Having one relative with ovarian cancer
- Having a relative who is known to have a BRCA I or II mutation
- Having one or more relatives with a diagnosis of breast cancer before the age of 50
- History of bilateral breast cancer
Symptoms
BRCA I & II testing is not typically triggered by specific symptoms, so it’s essential to discuss the decision to undergo testing with a doctor beforehand. However, certain symptoms may be associated with these mutations.
- Nipple changes
- Pain in the breast
- Unexplained tiredness
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Lump in the breast or underarm
- Redness or flaking skin on the breast
- Changes in the size, shape, or look of the breast
