BRCA1 &
BRCA2

The genes that protect you from breast & ovarian cancer

Genetic Testing

Cancer Prevention

Know Your Risk

1

Understanding the Basics

What are BRCA1 & BRCA2?

Tumor Suppressor Genes

BRCA1 & BRCA2 are genes that produce proteins helping repair damaged DNA — essentially your body's built-in cancer defense system.

When a Mutation Occurs

A mutation (change) in either gene reduces the body's ability to repair DNA, significantly raising the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

Hereditary & Inherited

These mutations are passed down through families — from parent to child, with a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Everyone has BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes — but not everyone carries a harmful mutation.

2

The Numbers

Lifetime Cancer Risk

BRCA1 · Breast

72%

lifetime breast cancer risk

BRCA1 · Ovarian

44%

lifetime ovarian cancer risk

BRCA2 · Breast

69%

lifetime breast cancer risk

BRCA2 · Ovarian

17%

lifetime ovarian cancer risk

General population breast risk ~12%

Source: National Cancer Institute

3

Family History Red Flags

Signs You May Carry a Mutation

Breast cancer diagnosed before age 50

Two or more close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer

A male relative diagnosed with breast cancer

Personal or family history of ovarian cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer at any age

4

Take Action

Who Should Get Tested?

01

Strong Family History

Multiple relatives on the same side with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer

02

Personal Cancer History

You've had breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a young age or with specific characteristics

03

Known Family Mutation

A BRCA mutation has already been identified in a close family member

04

Proactive Risk Assessment

You want to understand your genetic risk before any symptoms appear — knowledge is power

Testing also available for men — BRCA2 increases prostate & pancreatic cancer risk in males.

Knowledge is Your
Best Protection

A simple genetic blood test can reveal your BRCA mutation status — empowering you and your family to make informed, proactive health decisions.