Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, people with mutated BRCA genes may have a higher chance of getting breast cancer and other cancers.

The breast cancer gene, or BRCA, informs a person’s likelihood of getting cancer. People with a family history of breast cancer or BRCA gene mutations should have a test to determine whether they have the mutation.

Typically, the genes produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA. They play a role in preventing breast cancer. However, the altered gene cannot make proteins to repair DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development.

Read more to learn about BRCA gene mutations, what the genetic test involves, and more.

The BRCA gene is a breast cancer gene that can help determine a person’s chances of developing cancer.

There are two BRCA genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone has the genes. When functioning normally, they are tumor-suppressing genes.

A mutated gene is a broken gene. Because the altered BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes cannot repair DNA properly, a person is more likely to get breast cancer and other types of cancer if they have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.

Parents pass genes down to their children. This means that people with a family history of BRCA gene mutations are more likely to have the mutation themselves.

If either parent has a BRCA mutation, there is a 50% chance that a child will have the same mutation. However, not everybody with the BRCA mutation will develop breast cancer.

About 1 in 400 people (0.25%) have BRCA gene mutations.

However, specific populations have different risks of gene mutations.

For example, there is an increased risk among the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Scientists think this results from a founder mutation, which occurs when a small group of socially or culturally isolated ancestors found a group.

Approximately 2% of Ashkenazi Jewish people have a BRCA gene mutation.

Other populations that have founder genes include:

  • African American
  • Bahamanian
  • Dutch
  • Hispanic
  • Icelandic
  • Norwegian
  • Sephardi Jewish
  • West African

BreastCancer.org also notes that a person is more likely to have a breast cancer gene mutation if they:

  • are Black and have a breast cancer diagnosis by the age of 35 years
  • have a blood relative with breast cancer before the age of 50 years
  • breast cancer and ovarian cancer exist on the same side of the family
  • a relative has triple-negative breast cancer
  • a family member has another type of cancer, such as:
    • melanoma
    • sarcoma
    • stomach cancer
    • pancreatic cancer
    • prostate cancer
    • colon cancer
    • thyroid cancer

A BRCA test involves taking a sample and sending it to the laboratory to check for the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

A doctor may take:

  • a blood sample
  • a saliva (spit) sample
  • a swab of cells from inside the cheek

If a person gets a blood test, they will not usually need to do anything special before the test.

For a saliva test, they may need to stop eating, drinking, or smoking about 1 hour before the test. They may need to rinse their mouth before a cheek sab.

A person’s doctor can provide more information about anything they need to do before the BRCA test.

According to the National Cancer Institute, anyone with a family history of BRCA gene mutations or breast cancer should seek genetic testing. This is also called genetic counseling.

Medical professionals will do a risk assessment before the test to determine how likely an individual is to inherit the genetic mutations. Factors that mean a medical professional is more likely to recommend BRCA testing include:

  • Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
  • family history of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations
  • personal or family history of breast cancer by the age of 50 years
  • personal or family history of:

Not everybody with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will develop breast cancer, but it does increase a person’s risk of developing the condition.

Other factors can also increase the risk of breast cancer. Taking steps to minimize those risks may help to reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Steps that may help minimize breast cancer risk include:

»Learn more:Why is breast cancer so common, and how can a person prevent it?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two breast cancer genes responsible for repairing damaged DNA that can cause tumor growth. However, people with BRCA gene mutations are more likely to develop breast and other cancers.

Some people are at an increased risk of developing the condition and should consider genetic testing. These people include those with a family history ofBRCA gene mutations or breast cancer, as well as those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

Speak with a doctor if there are concerns about breast cancer genes or if there is a family history of breast cancer. The doctor may perform a risk assessment and then recommend BRCA genetic testing, which involves taking a sample of blood, saliva, or cheek cells for laboratory analysis.

It is important to note that not everybody with BRCA genetic mutations will develop breast cancer. If the test is positive for the genetic mutations, they may require more frequent screening. A doctor can also advise on other ways to help minimize the risk of breast cancer.