What is 'the breast cancer gene' BRCA?
BRCA 1 and 2 are normally occurring genes in humans. Several genetic mutations (alterations in the body's genetic material) have been identified which are associated with the development of breast and ovarian cancer. Changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2, can be inherited and lead to a markedly increased risk for developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Who carries the BRCA gene mutation?
Only about 5% of women with breast cancer are found to carry a mutated BRCA gene. Studies have confirmed that women who carry these BRCA mutations have a high risk for development of breast cancer, about five times that of women who do not have BRCA gene alterations. Overall, around 12% of all women will get breast cancer during their lifetime; in contrast, around 55%-65% of women with a BRCA1 mutation and 45 % with a BRCA2 mutation will get the disease. Having a BRCA mutation also predisposes a woman to developing breast cancer at an early age (before menopause). The incidence of BRCA mutation is higher in some ethnic groups, such as people of Ashkenazi (European) Jewish origin and in some populations in Iceland, the Netherlands, and Norway.
