Hereditary Breast Cancer

Hereditary Breast Cancer accounts for approximately 5-10% of all breast cancer cases and is caused by inherited genetic mutations that significantly increase cancer risk. While multiple genes are associated with hereditary breast cancer, the most well-known are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are responsible for most cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.

Women with BRCA1 mutations have a 55-72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, while those with BRCA2 mutations have a 45-69% risk. These genes are tumor suppressor genes that normally help repair DNA damage. When they are mutated, DNA damage accumulates, increasing cancer risk. Men with these mutations also have elevated risks of breast and prostate cancer.

Besides breast cancer, BRCA mutations increase the risk of ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. PALB2 is another important gene; mutations in PALB2 carry a breast cancer risk similar to BRCA2. Family history patterns suggesting hereditary breast cancer include breast cancer at a young age, breast cancer in both breasts, multiple family members with breast or ovarian cancer, or male breast cancer.

Hereditary breast cancer genes are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Genetic testing can identify individuals at increased risk, allowing for enhanced screening (more frequent mammograms and MRI), preventive medications (like tamoxifen), or risk-reducing surgeries. The ACMG recommends reporting pathogenic variants in these genes due to their clinical actionability.

NutraHacker examines the following genes related to Hereditary Breast Cancer:

• BRCA1
• BRCA2
• PALB2

For more information about your own genetic profile as related to Hereditary Breast Cancer, please check out our NutraHacker WGS Critical Genetics Report.

Or to get going without any further delay, upload WGS raw DNA data and find out more about your critical genetics profile today.