Groups at Higher Risk for BRCA Gene Mutations

Background

Some people have a higher risk for a BRCA gene mutation than others. Certain family history patterns indicate a higher risk for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

You may be at increased risk for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation if your family history includes:

• Several relatives with breast cancer.
• Any relatives with ovarian cancer.
• Relatives who got 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 have a higher risk for a mutation if you have had:

• Breast cancer before age 50.
• Triple-negative breast cancer.
• Male breast cancer.
• Breast cancer more than once.
• Ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal (lining of the abdomen) cancer at any age.
• Both breast and ovarian cancers.
• Breast cancer or ovarian cancer at any age, and you are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Central or Eastern European).
• Breast cancer, and you have a family member with breast or ovarian cancer.

BRCA Genes and Breast Cancer

Genetic counselor Joyce Turner, MSC, CGC, provides an overview of BRCA genes and their relationship to breast and ovarian cancer in this video.