Understanding your risk for breast cancer is an important part of protecting your health. At the Texas Southern University Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, we work to provide education and resources that help people make informed decisions about their breast health.
When people think about breast cancer risk, they often think about lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, or alcohol use. These factors do matter, but your genes can also play an important role.
Genes are small pieces of DNA that carry instructions for how your body works. Sometimes people are born with changes in certain genes that they inherit from their parents. These changes are called mutations and they can increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.¹
Inherited Gene Mutations and Breast Cancer
Some inherited gene mutations make it harder for the body to repair damaged cells. When damaged cells are not repaired properly, cancer can develop.³
About 1 in 10 breast cancer cases are linked to inherited gene mutations, including changes in well-known genes such as BRCA.² This means that most breast cancers are not inherited, but family history can still affect your risk.
Understanding BRCA1 and BRCA2
Two of the best-known genes linked to breast cancer risk are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Certain changes in these genes can raise the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.²
Research shows that BRCA gene mutations occur in about 1 out of every 400 to 500 people.³ While this may seem rare, people who carry these mutations may have a much higher risk of developing cancer.
Other Genes Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most commonly discussed genes related to breast cancer risk, but they are not the only ones.²
Other genes that may increase breast cancer risk include:
Changes in these genes may also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer.
How Much Can Genes Increase Risk?
For some individuals, especially those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, the lifetime risk of breast cancer may be as high as about 70% to 80%, depending on the specific mutation and family history.
Family history is an important factor to consider. Your risk may be higher if:
These patterns may suggest that an inherited gene mutation runs in your family.
Understanding Your Risk
Knowing your family health history can help you better understand your personal risk for breast cancer.
Having a gene mutation does not mean someone will definitely develop breast cancer. However, it can help doctors and you make decisions about screening and prevention.
Learning more about your family history and talking with a healthcare professional can help you take steps to protect your health.
We encourage individuals to stay informed about their breast health and to keep up with recommended screening.
References
Sign up for updates from BCSPC
