Difference Between BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation

Although mutations on both genes are related to increased risk of breast cancer, they are two entirely separate genes. BRCA1, identified in 1990, is on chromosome 17, while BRCA2, identified in 1994, is on chromosome 13. Both mutations increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer.

1. Which is worse BRCA1 or BRCA2?
2. Can you have both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?
3. What does it mean to be BRCA2 positive?
4. Does BRCA2 skip a generation?
5. Can a father pass the BRCA gene?
6. Is BRCA testing worth it?
7. How common is BRCA2 mutation?
8. Can you be BRCA positive with no family history?
9. What happens if I have the BRCA gene?
10. What disease is BRCA2 involved in?
11. Which family members have the BRCA2 mutation?
12. What do you do if you test positive for BRCA gene?

Which is worse BRCA1 or BRCA2?

Which Gene Mutation is Worse, BRCA1 or BRCA2? By age 70, women BRCA1 carriers have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than BRCA2 carriers. Also, BRCA1 mutations are more often linked to triple negative breast cancer, which is more aggressive and harder to treat than other types of breast cancer.

Can you have both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?

Background. Most BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers have inherited a single (heterozygous) mutation. Transheterozygotes (TH) who have inherited deleterious mutations in both BRCA1 and BRCA2 are rare, and the consequences of transheterozygosity are poorly understood.

What does it mean to be BRCA2 positive?

A positive test result means that you have a mutation in one of the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, and therefore a much higher risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer compared with someone who doesn't have the mutation.

Does BRCA2 skip a generation?

If you have a BRCA mutation, you have a 50 percent chance of passing the mutation to each of your children. These mutations do not skip generations but sometimes appear to, because not all people with BRCA mutations develop cancer. Both men and women can have BRCA mutations and can pass them onto their children.

Can a father pass the BRCA gene?

Most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with two abnormal genes: BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene one) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene two). Men are just as likely as women to have an abnormal breast cancer gene.

Is BRCA testing worth it?

Despite concerns about unnecessary testing, clinicians emphasize BRCA testing can be invaluable not only as a targeted screening tool, but also as a way to improve treatment in some patients diagnosed with breast cancer. “It certainly can influence what patients may or may not decide to do surgically.

How common is BRCA2 mutation?

Like other inherited gene mutations, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are rare in the general population. In the U.S., about 1 in 400 people have a BRCA1/2 mutation [28]. Prevalence varies by ethnic group. Among Ashkenazi Jewish men and women, about 1 in 40 have a BRCA1/2 mutation [28].

Can you be BRCA positive with no family history?

Is it possible to be BRCA+ without any known family history of BRCA or breast cancer in the family? Yes, we think that approximately 2% of individuals without a personal or family history of breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer will carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2.

What happens if I have the BRCA gene?

Whether or not you've ever had breast cancer, knowing that you have a BRCA mutation means that you are at much greater risk of developing breast and possibly ovarian cancer in the future.

What disease is BRCA2 involved in?

Mutations in the BRCA2 gene are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in both men and women, as well as several other types of cancer.

Which family members have the BRCA2 mutation?

WHO: Your parents, siblings, and children are the family members who are most likely to have the same BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation that you do. Other blood relatives, such as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, are also more likely to have the mutation.

What do you do if you test positive for BRCA gene?

To help women with BRCA changes, some experts did a study that let them predict how much breast and ovarian cancer risk could be reduced by:

1. Having the breasts removed (mastectomy).
2. Having the ovaries removed (oophorectomy).
3. Having a mammogram and breast MRI every year starting at age 25.