Groups at Higher Risk for BRCA Gene Mutations

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.