The BRCA genes are tumor suppressor genes that produce proteins used by the cell in an enzymatic pathway that makes precise repairs to DNA molecules that have double-stranded breaks. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two different genes that have been found to impact a persons chances of developing breast cancer. Everyone has two copies of each of these genes, one copy inherited from each parent. When a mutation occurs in the BRCA genes, these genes can no longer do their job, and cells are more likely to divide and change rapidly, which can lead to cancer. A harmful variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 can be inherited from either parent, and each child of a parent who carries any mutation in one of these genes has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. Inherited mutations are present from birth in all cells in the body. BRCA gene mutations are classified as germline mutations or variants and are present in all cells of the body.
The BRCA genes are important in preventing breast cancer, and they help repair DNA breaks that can lead to cancer and the uncontrolled growth of tumors. However, in some people, these tumor suppression genes do not work properly, and when a gene becomes altered or broken, it doesn’t function correctly, which is called a gene mutation. A small percentage of people carry mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, and a BRCA mutation occurs when the DNA that makes up the gene is changed or altered. Not every woman who has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast or ovarian cancer, but having a gene mutation puts you at an increased risk for these cancers.
The BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify harmful changes (mutations) in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2. The test is offered to those who are likely to have an inherited mutation based on personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. The BRCA gene test isnt routinely performed on people at average risk of breast and ovarian cancers. The results of genetic testing arent always clear, and test results could also fail to provide clear-cut answers regarding cancer risk.
