BRCA1 & BRCA2

BCRA

BRCA1 means Breast Cancer Gene 1. BRCA2 means Breast Cancer Gene 2. Both BRCA1 and BCRA2 genes have over 1500 different mutations. Somen women who carry a certain mutation in the BCRA genes have a higher risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Breast cancer due to an inherited BRCA1/2 mutation often occurs before menopause and can affect both breasts (bilateral breast cancer). It is estimated that 1 in 500 (0.2%) women carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Only 5% of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have been identified.

Men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation may also be at risk for breast cancer and prostate cancer.

BCRA1 and BCRA2 and very similar genes that can lead to similiar health issues when they are mutated. The main differences are:

Woman Man Colon
BCRA1 mutations can increase cancer risk for these organs.

Woman Man Colon Breast
BCRA2 mutations can increase cancer risk for these organs.

We also know that both men and women can pass on a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation to either their daughter or their son.

A kind of cancer that develops in the cells of a man's prostate, the small gland in men located under the bladder that helps make the fluid that holds sperm.
Affecting both the left and right sides of body.
A permanent change that affects genes.
A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.