BRCA and cancer
A change (genetic alteration) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can stop it working properly, which can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.
What do BRCA genes do?
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help to stop cancer from developing. They are called tumour suppressor genes.
- Everyone has BRCA genes, but if these genes don’t work properly, you are more likely to get certain cancers.
- A change (genetic alteration) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene is what makes the gene stop working properly.
- A gene change that increases your risk of disease is called a pathogenic variant.
Alterations in the PALB2 gene are also linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, similar to the risk associated with BRCA2.
If you would like to know more about the PALB2 gene, call our Support Line on 1800 200 700.
What cancers are linked to BRCA gene changes?
A change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can increase the risk of the following cancers:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate (BRCA2)
The risk is increased most for breast cancer.
There is also an increased risk of some other cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, but the increased risk is much smaller. Research is continuing into the effect of the BRCA gene.
Having an altered BRCA gene does not mean you will definitely get cancer
It means your body is less able to repair cell damage that can lead to cancer, so your risk of developing cancer is increased.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 – what’s the difference?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 alterations both increase the risk of cancer.
For women and people assigned female at birth, BRCA1 alterations increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer more than BRCA2. However, both increase the risk significantly.
Whether you have a BRCA1 or a BRCA2 alteration you will need medical care to reduce the risk of cancer developing.
In men and people assigned male at birth, BRCA2 increases the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer more than BRCA1. BRCA1 is not known to increase the risk of prostate cancer.
A genetic counsellor can advise you about your individual risk profile if you have an altered BRCA gene.
More information about BRCA
If you are worried about BRCA and cancer or you already know you have an altered BRCA gene, we have information to help and support you.
I am worried about the history of cancer in my family
If there is a history of cancers linked to BRCA in your family, we have:
- Answers to questions you might have about what a history of cancer might mean for you
- Information about when and how genetic testing might be done
I have an altered BRCA gene
If you have an altered BRCA gene, we have:
- Information about your risk and how to manage it
- Support with making decisions about risk management and fertility
- Advice to help you cope
Talk to a Cancer Nurse
Support Line
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