Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Breast Oncology. In this article, we delve into The Role of Genetics in Breast Cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2, exploring the latest advancements and essential information.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA. When these genes are mutated and don't function properly, DNA damage may not be repaired properly, leading to cancer.
Inheriting a harmful mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene significantly increases the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared to the general population.
Genetic testing is generally recommended for individuals with a strong personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or those who have family members known to have a BRCA mutation.