By Renova Hospitals
February 10, 2026
Is Breast Cancer Hereditary? Understanding BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing
Key Takeaways
- Is breast cancer hereditary?
5–10% are hereditary, mainly due to BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. - Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
15–20% are hereditary, mostly linked to BRCA mutations. - What is BRCA cancer risk?
45–72% lifetime breast cancer risk; 11–44% ovarian cancer risk. - What does BRCA testing cost?
₹0–₹8,500 with insurance; ₹17,000–₹25,000 without insurance.
Yes, breast cancer can be hereditary. While most cases occur sporadically, 5–10% of all breast cancers are hereditary, caused primarily by inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. This condition is known as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome.
Understanding your hereditary breast cancer risk is one of the most powerful tools in cancer prevention today. With accurate BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene testing, individuals and families can take proactive steps before cancer develops.
What Is Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome?
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is an inherited condition caused by harmful mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genes normally repair damaged DNA, regulate cell growth, and prevent abnormal cells from becoming cancerous.
When a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in breast cancer is present, this DNA repair system fails, dramatically increasing cancer risk.
While hereditary breast cancer syndrome affects less than 1% of the general population, it accounts for 5–10% of all breast cancer cases and around 15% of ovarian cancers.
Is Ovarian Cancer Hereditary?
Yes, ovarian cancer can be hereditary. Approximately 15–20% of ovarian cancers are hereditary, most commonly linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 in ovarian cancer families.
Does ovarian cancer hereditary patterns run in families? Yes, BRCA mutations follow an autosomal dominant inheritance, meaning each child of a parent with a BRCA mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cancer Risk: Understanding Your Numbers
One crucial question that people keep wondering about is how much does BRCA increase cancer risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations dramatically elevate cancer risk compared to the general population.
Breast cancer risk
Breast cancer risk
- General population: ~12% lifetime risk
- BRCA1 mutation: ~55–72% lifetime risk
- BRCA2 mutation: ~45–69% lifetime risk
Ovarian cancer risk
- General population: ~1.3% lifetime risk
- BRCA1 mutation: ~39–44% lifetime risk
- BRCA2 mutation: ~11–17% lifetime risk
Other Cancers
For Men:
- Prostate cancer: Up to 30–40% lifetime risk, especially with BRCA2
- Male breast cancer: Up to 8% with BRCA2
For All Carriers:
- Pancreatic cancer: 2–7% lifetime risk
- Increased risk of melanoma and fallopian tube cancer
Who Is at Risk for Hereditary Breast Cancer?
You may have an increased hereditary breast cancer risk if you have:
- Family history of breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer
- A known BRCA mutation in your family
- Multiple relatives diagnosed with cancer at young ages
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (1 in 40 carry a BRCA mutation)
- Personal history of breast cancer before age 50
- Triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis
- Male breast cancer in the family
Who Should Get BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene testing is recommended for individuals with:
Personal Cancer History
- Breast cancer diagnosed before age 50
- Triple-negative breast cancer at any age
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer at any age
- Male breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer with family history
Family Cancer History
- A known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in the family
- Multiple relatives with breast or ovarian cancer
- Relatives with breast cancer before age 50
- Male breast cancer in the family
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Testing: How is BRCA testing done?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing involves:
- Pre-test genetic counseling
- Simple blood or saliva sample
- Laboratory analysis at a certified center
- Results review with a genetic counselor (2-4 weeks)
Possible Test Results
- Positive result: A harmful BRCA mutation is detected
- Negative result: No known harmful mutation is found
- VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance): A genetic change is detected, but cancer risk is unclear
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Testing Cost
The BRCA1 BRCA2 gene testing cost varies:
- With insurance: $0–$100 out-of-pocket for high-risk individuals
- Without insurance: $200–$300 through major testing companies
- Multi-gene panels: $250–$500+
Most insurance plans cover BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancer risk and genetic testing when you meet medical criteria, such as personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Major testing companies offer financial assistance programs, often capping costs at $250.
At-Home DNA Kits vs. Medical-Grade Testing
Direct-to-consumer DNA kits have significant limitations:
- Only test for 3 specific mutations (out of thousands)
- No genetic counseling included
- May provide false reassurance
Medical-grade BRCA testing:
- Tests for all known BRCA mutations
- Includes professional genetic counseling
- Covered by insurance for high-risk individuals
What Can You Do If You Have a BRCA Mutation?
A BRCA mutation is not a cancer diagnosis, it is an opportunity for prevention.
1. Risk-Reducing Surgery
Preventive Mastectomy
- Reduces breast cancer risk by up to 90%
Removal of Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes
- Reduces ovarian cancer risk by about 80%
- Also reduces breast cancer risk by ~50% when done before menopause
2. Enhanced Cancer Screening
For women
- Age 18+: Monthly breast self-exams
- Age 25+: Annual breast MRI
- Age 30+: Annual mammogram + breast MRI
- Age 30–35+: Ovarian surveillance (ultrasound + CA-125 blood test)
For men
- Age 35+: Monthly breast self-exams and annual clinical breast exam
- Age 40+: Prostate cancer screening (PSA test + digital rectal exam)
3. Medication Options
- Tamoxifen or raloxifene may reduce breast cancer risk
- Oral contraceptives may reduce ovarian cancer risk by up to 50%
How does BRCA affect breast cancer treatment?
If you develop breast cancer with a BRCA mutation:
- PARP Inhibitors: Targeted therapies specifically designed for BRCA-mutated cancers
- Platinum-based chemotherapy: Often more effective in BRCA-related breast cancers
- Clinical trial access: Cutting-edge targeted therapy trials
BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Ovarian Cancer: Why Testing Matters
All women diagnosed with ovarian cancer should receive BRCA testing because:
- Treatment decisions: BRCA-mutated ovarian cancers respond better to platinum chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors
- Maintenance therapy: FDA-approved PARP inhibitors extend remission
- Family implications: Positive results inform relatives of their risk
If a relative has ovarian cancer with a BRCA mutation, you can undergo predictive testing and access enhanced screening or preventive surgery.
Why is BRCA testing important?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancer risk and genetic testing empowers you to:
- Detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage
- Prevent cancer before it starts through risk-reducing surgeries
- Make informed decisions about family planning
- Protect future generations by identifying at-risk family members
- Access targeted therapies if cancer develops
Public awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome increased dramatically after Angelina Jolie shared her BRCA1 mutation status and preventive surgery decision, helping millions understand that genetic knowledge can save lives.
Take the Next Step
If you have a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer, BRCA testing may be one of the most important health decisions you'll ever make.
Schedule a consultation with a cancer genetics specialist to:
- Assess your hereditary breast cancer risk
- Discuss BRCA1 BRCA2 gene testing cost and insurance coverage
- Create a personalized screening and prevention plan
- Understand options for protecting your family
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