Genetics and Hereditary Cancers
BRCA1 and BRCA2
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-2563
What You Should Know About Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC)
Approximately 5-10% of breast cancer is inherited. Most hereditary breast cancers are caused by pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but there are other genes that can cause inherited breast cancers.
With one of the largest hereditary cancer programs in the country, UT Southwestern specialists have identified and worked with more than 2,000 individuals with P/LP variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Cancer Risks Associated with Variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes
Specific cancer risks and management recommendations depend on if someone has a P/LP variant BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. In general, individuals with P/LP variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have an increased risk for breast cancer. Females have a greater than 60% lifetime risk to develop breast cancer and males have a less than 10% lifetime risk. Females with ovaries have up to a 60% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer, and males with a prostate have up to a 60% lifetime risk to develop prostate cancer. The risk for pancreatic cancer is up to 10%. Individuals with BRCA2 have an increased risk for melanoma.
Managing the Risk
UT Southwestern’s Genetic Cancer Prevention Clinic (GCPC) can help ensure people are receiving appropriate cancer surveillance and management based on their genetic testing results. For more information about the GCPC or to request an appointment, please call us at 214-645-2563.
Breast Cancer
- Breast specialists work with patients to establish a personalized breast cancer surveillance or surgical plan.
- Our specialists follow the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommendations, including:
- Screening by yearly mammograms and breast MRI; clinical breast exams every six months; and monthly self-breast examinations
- Consideration of bilateral mastectomies, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 90%
- Consideration of certain medications that can decrease the risk of breast cancer
Ovarian Cancer
- Gynecology oncology specialists work with patients to determine appropriate risk management for hereditary gynecologic cancers.
- Our specialists follow NCCN recommendations, including:
- Surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Consideration of certain types of contraception that can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
Other Cancers
- UT Southwestern experts in internal medicine, dermatology, surgical oncology, and other specialties may also be an important part of the care team.
- Additional surveillance or management recommendations may include:
- Annual PSA and/or digital rectal exams for prostate cancer surveillance
- Annual abdominal MRI and/or upper endoscopy for pancreatic cancer surveillance
- Consideration of annual full-body skin exam for melanoma surveillance
The Risks to Family Members
Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that the children, brothers, sisters, and parents of a person with a P/LP variant have a 50% chance of having the P/LP variant. Most BRCA1 and BRCA2 P/LP variants are inherited from a parent and are rarely caused by a new mutation.