Description
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test is a blood test that can tell you if you have a higher risk of getting cancer. The name BRCA comes from the first two letters of breast cancer.
Alternative Names
Breast cancer - BRCA1 and BRCA2; Ovarian cancer - BRCA1 and BRCA2
What is the BRCA Gene Mutation?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that suppress malignant tumors (cancer) in humans. When these genes change (become mutated) they do not suppress tumors like they should. So people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are at a higher risk of getting cancer.
Women with this mutation are at higher risk of getting breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Mutations may also increase a woman's risk of developing:
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Colon cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder cancer or bile duct cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Melanoma
Men with this mutation are also more likely to get cancer. Mutations may increase a man's risk of developing:
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
Only about 5% of breast cancers and 10 to 15% of ovarian cancers are associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.