#BRCA breast cancer

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute answers your common questions about testing for mutations in BRCA genes associated with cancer.

Genetic counseling from the University of Colorado Cancer Center helps a young woman make the best decisions for her health.

“It was important to share my story because male breast cancer does happen—and it happened to me.”

Nearly a quarter of women met the criteria for counseling based on their personal or family history.

People who inherit pathogenic mutations in either one of these genes have an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Screening would be especially cost effective in high-income nations.

These cancers include those that are rare among adults under 40, such as breast, colon, pancreas, kidney, prostate and ovarian cancer.

Task force recommends BRCA screening for women at increased cancer risk

Adding immunotherapy to preoperative chemotherapy increased the likelihood of complete remission.

Task force says some women can benefit from risk-reducing drugs like tamoxifen, but women at average risk should not take them.

Breast cells are deprived of a particular type of DNA damage repair, causing normals cells to change to a pre-malignant state.

Many cancer survivors who undergo mastectomy can’t afford reconstruction surgery. But help is available.

Both have tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation.

Being aware of their BRCA status is associated with better breast cancer outcomes for women who decide against preventive surgery.

Tests for inherited genetic mutations can provide women diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer with important information.