The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) shared on LinkedIn:
“This Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week, we’re taking a closer look at how genetics influence breast cancer risk. From BRCA1 and BRCA2 to emerging research on other genes and polygenic risk, scientists are working to better understand who may benefit from more personalized screening and prevention.”
There are also images in the post, where you can find interesting information:
“How Much Does Genetics Matter?
- Most breast cancers aren’t inherited and occur without an inherited genetic mutation.
- Some people have a higher risk due to inherited genetic changes or family history.
- Research is helping identify who may benefit from earlier detection, personalized screening, and risk-reducing strategies.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: The Best-Known Risk Genes.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the best-known inherited risk factors.
- About 10-15% of breast cancers are thought to be caused by inherited genetic variants.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most well-known genes associated with increased breast cancer risk.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: The Best-Known Risk Genes
For comparison:
- About 12% of women in the U.S. develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
- About 72% of women with a BRCA1 mutation and 69% with a BRCA2 mutation develop breast cancer by age 80.
You Don’t Need a Family History
- You don’t need a family history to have an inherited mutation—some with inherited risk have no known family history.
- In one study, researchers found that 30–50% of breast cancer mutations occurred in women who had traditionally not been considered high risk.
- That’s one reason researchers are working to better identify inherited risk beyond family history alone.
There’s More Than BRCA1 and BRCA2
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 aren’t the only genes researchers are studying.
- BCRF investigators are expanding our understanding of inherited risk by studying genes including: PALB2, BARD1, TP53, ATM, CHEK2, RAD51C, RAD51D
There’s More Than BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Researchers are also studying polygenic risk scores, which look at the combined effect of many genetic variants to better estimate an individual’s breast cancer risk.
What’s Next?
- BCRF researchers are studying how genetics, family history, race, and ethnicity influence breast cancer risk.
- These discoveries could lead to more personalized approaches to risk assessment, screening, prevention, and treatment.”
Hereditary Breast Cancer Research.
You can also read ‘Mammo 2026: OncoDaily and Olema Pharmaceuticals Bring Global Breast Cancer Perspectives Together‘.
