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Groups at Higher Risk for BRCA Gene Mutations

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Some people have a higher risk for a BRCA gene mutation than others. Certain family history patterns indicate a higher risk for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

You may be at increased risk for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation if your family history includes—

  • Several relatives with breast cancer.
  • Any relatives with ovarian cancer.
  • Relatives who got breast cancer before age 50.
  • A relative with cancer in both breasts.
  • A relative who had both breast and ovarian cancers.
  • A male relative with breast cancer.
  • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Central or Eastern European) and any relative with breast or ovarian cancer.
  • A relative with a known BRCA gene mutation.

You may have a higher risk for a mutation if you have had—

  • Breast cancer before age 50.
  • Triple-negative breast cancer.
  • Male breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer more than once.
  • Ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal (lining of the abdomen) cancer at any age.
  • Both breast and ovarian cancers.
  • Breast cancer or ovarian cancer at any age, and you are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Central or Eastern European).
  • Breast cancer and you have a family member with breast or ovarian cancer.
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