Risk of Breast Cancer

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer-susceptibility syndrome (HBOC) occurs when multiple family members are diagnosed with breast, ovarian, fallopian tube and/or primary peritoneal cancer. In many cases, this can mean there is a genetic mutation (a permanent change in one’s DNA) that predisposes individuals to these specific cancers. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for most of these cases, but there are several other genes that also place patients at increased risk. The name “BRCA” stands for BReast CAncer gene. It is estimated that 9-24% of ovarian cancers and 4.5% of breast cancers are due to BRCA1 and 2 mutations. Other common mutations include Lynch Syndrome, RAD51C, RAD51D and STK11. Lynch Syndrome is known for increasing the risk of ovarian, uterine and colon cancers. Risk of Breast Cancer The risk of breast cancer with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is 45-85% by 70 years of age! A woman with a more aggressive triple-negative breast cancer is also much more likely to carry a BRCA1 mutation. This means the cancer does not respond to hormonal treatment options and is more difficult to treat.