BRCA Inheritance: Is My Family at Risk?

Because BRCA mutations are hereditary, they can be passed down to family members regardless of gender. This means that if you have a BRCA mutation, you inherited it from one of your parents. Detecting a BRCA mutation could help inform other members of your family that they may have an increased risk of cancer.

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Am I at risk for having a BRCA mutation?

Women BRCA Statistics Icon

1 in 400 people in the United States carry an inherited BRCA mutation.

Reasons to Get BRCA Tested
Women BRCA Age Statistics Icon

The average woman with a BRCA mutation has up to a 70% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80.

How BRCA Impacts BREAST CANCER
 

BRCA mutations can be a family matter

Mutations can be inherited from either parent and may be passed on to their children. Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene from the parent who carries the mutation.

Family BRCA Mutations Chart Family BRCA Mutations Chart

If you have an inherited BRCA mutation…

  • Your children have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation
  • Your siblings have a 50% chance of having the mutation
  • There’s a 100% chance that one of your parents has the mutation

It’s important to know if your family is at risk—it could be life-changing.

Inform your family about their risk

Talking about cancer is never easy—it’s a process that requires patience and empathy. Sometimes it can be helpful to hear stories from those who have been tested. If you want to inform family members about their own risk, there are several things to keep in mind. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) offers tips for talking to your family about hereditary cancers.

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Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your family’s risk.

 

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Educate others

BRCA Guide Icon

Provide a way for your family and friends to learn more about BRCA and how mutations can impact them. Print out the BRCA Guide and pass it along to those who are interested in learning more.