Space 01 · Understand

Genetics and BRCA

Chapter 11 of 15 · 8 cards · about 5 min

Your progress0 / 15 chapters
15 more chapters to become a ROSE Ambassador.
Chapter 11 · Genetics and BRCA
THE QUESTION

Is breast cancer passed down in families?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 8

What are genes?

Genes are instructions written in our cells. We receive them from both our parents.

Source: NCI, 2026

2 / 8

BRCA1 and BRCA2

These two genes help repair cells. When they are altered, the risk of breast and ovarian cancer rises sharply.

Source: NCI, 2026

3 / 8

A much higher risk

In the United States, about 13% of women will get breast cancer. With a mutation it is 55 to 72%; with BRCA2, 45 to 69%, by age 70-80.

Source: NCI, 2026

4 / 8

Rare in the population

Only 5 to 10% of breast cancers are inherited. Most do not come from an inherited gene.

Source: ACS, 2026

5 / 8

Men too

A man can carry and pass on a mutation, and have a higher risk of breast and prostate cancer.

Source: NCI, 2026

6 / 8

In Mauritania

A study found a mutation in 38 of the 137 patients tested (27.7%). They had been selected because a family form was suspected.

Source: BMC Cancer, 2022

7 / 8

Genetic testing

It is done on a blood sample, after a meeting with a specialist (genetic counselling). It is not offered to everyone.

Source: NCI, 2026

8 / 8

What if you are a carrier?

Closer monitoring, , and sometimes preventive surgery: the options are discussed with the doctors.

Source: NCI, 2026

DID YOU KNOW?

In Mauritania, one specific change in the gene (c.815_824dup) was found in 13 patients: the most frequent in the study.

Source: BMC Cancer, 2022

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Most breast cancers are inherited.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

“A father can pass a BRCA mutation to his daughter.”

KEY POINTS
  • sharply increase the risk.
  • These mutations remain rare.
  • Several cases in the family: talk to a doctor.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: Breast cancer in men →
Sources: NCI, 2026 · ACS, 2026 · BMC Cancer, 2022

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

01To readWhat is breast cancer?Is a lump in the breast always cancer?5 min read02To readThe signsWould you recognise breast cancer?5 min read03To readRisk factorsWhy do some people get breast cancer and others don't?5 min read04To readScreening, by country and ageShould you wait for a sign before getting a test?5 min read05To readDiagnosis and testsThey found a lump: what happens next?5 min read06To readTypes: hormone-sensitive, HER2, triple-negativeAre all breast cancers the same?5 min read07To readStagesWhat does “stage 2” mean?5 min read08To readTreatmentsHow is breast cancer treated?5 min read09To readLiving with treatment side effectsFatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?5 min read10To readLife afterAnd when treatment is over?5 min read11In progressGenetics and BRCAIs breast cancer passed down in families?5 min read12To readBreast cancer in menCan a man get breast cancer?5 min read13To readYoung womenI'm under 40: can it happen to me?5 min read14To readSupporting a loved oneHow can you help someone with breast cancer?5 min read15To readPreventionCan you reduce your risk of breast cancer?5 min read

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.