What is a BRCA gene mutation and which cancers is it linked to?
According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that everyone has, with one copy inherited from each parent, and they normally produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA. A harmful (pathogenic) variant in one of these genes impairs that repair, which can allow cells to become cancerous. NCI states that inherited harmful BRCA1/BRCA2 variants raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and are also linked to prostate and pancreatic cancer, among others. Importantly, such a variant increases risk but does not make cancer certain — some people who inherit one never develop cancer. This is general information, not personal medical advice.
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BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing (opens in a new tab) — National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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