HBOC Syndrome and BRCA Genes

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome

Hereditary cancer means cancer runs in your family. It is caused by a change in certain genes that you inherited from your mother or father.

Genes act as instructions to build and maintain cells in the body. People inherit one set of genes from their mother and one set of genes from their father.

Genes are made up of DNA. DNA tells the body what traits will be passed on from parents to children, such as blood type, hair color, eye color, and risks of getting certain diseases.

HBOC syndrome is an inherited condition that increases a person's risk of getting breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Most cases of HBOC syndrome are caused by changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

BRCA genes

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are important to fighting cancer. When they work normally, these genes help keep breast, ovarian, and other types of cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.

Sometimes, changes or "mutations" occur that prevent genes from doing their job properly. This raises a person's risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers. If your mother or father has a BRCA gene mutation, you have a 50% chance of having the same gene mutation.

Breast and ovarian cancers can also be caused by mutations in other genes, such as PALB2 and ATM. Genetic testing may find these mutations.

Breaking Down BRCA

This video explains the importance of BRCA genes in fighting cancer. Changes in these genes can raise a person's risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Learning about your family history of cancer can help you and your doctor understand your cancer risk.

Why BRCA gene mutations matter

Having a BRCA gene mutation puts you at an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

• About 13% of women in the general United States population will get breast cancer in their lifetime. More than 60% of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast cancer in their lifetime.
• About 1% of women in the general United States population will get ovarian cancer in their lifetime. About 39% to 58% of women with a BRCA1 gene mutation and 13% to 29% of women with a BRCA2 gene mutation will get ovarian cancer in their lifetime.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA genes, you may have a higher cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk.

Every Piece Matters

This video explains how having some types of cancer in your family can affect your own risk of getting cancer. It emphasizes the importance of sharing what you know with your doctor.

More information

• BRCA Gene Changes: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing (National Cancer Institute)
• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (American Cancer Society)
• Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (CDC)
• Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (CDC)