What is breast cancer?5 min read

BRCA: the breast cancer gene

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help repair damaged DNA. Some people inherit versions that no longer do this job properly — and that raises the risk of cancer.

Everyone has the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. They act like quality control for our cells, repairing DNA damage and keeping cell growth in check. When a harmful version is inherited, that protective role is weakened.

What a harmful BRCA change means

  • Lifetime breast cancer risk is clearly above average
  • Ovarian cancer risk is also increased
  • Breast cancer risk is higher for men with BRCA2 than BRCA1
  • It does not mean cancer is certain — screening and prevention change the picture

A BRCA test tells you whether you carry a known harmful change. If you do, your medical team can build a personalised plan: earlier, more frequent screening, preventive medication or preventive surgery.

In brief

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are present in everyone
Only some inherited versions are harmful
A positive result is a plan, not a verdict

What you can do

Learn your family history

A family tree helps doctors assess the chance of a BRCA mutation.

Act on a plan, not in panic

If you carry a change, screening options exist.

Keep learning

Genetic testing for breast cancerAwarenessOther genes linked to breast cancerAwarenessWhat if your test is positiveAwareness