BRCA2
Associated conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Gynaecologic cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Fanconi anaemia
BRCA2 makes a protein that repairs damaged DNA and helps keep cell growth in check. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with a raised lifetime risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer when one copy is altered, and, when both copies are altered, with an autosomal recessive condition called Fanconi anaemia, a distinct and more serious childhood condition. Knowing your genetic status enables earlier and more frequent screening and risk-reducing options.
Conditions linked to BRCA2
Breast cancer
Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast. An inherited predisposition raises lifetime risk and can bring it on younger, so it is managed with earlier and more frequent breast screening (such as MRI alongside mammography) and, for some, risk-reducing options.
Gynaecologic cancer
Gynaecologic cancers include ovarian, uterine (endometrial) and related cancers. Inherited variants can raise the risk of one or more of these, so knowing your status guides screening discussions and risk-reducing options such as surgery after childbearing.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer arises in the pancreas and is often found late. Some inherited variants raise its risk, so carriers may be offered specialist surveillance (MRI or endoscopic ultrasound), which aims to catch changes at a more treatable stage.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland. Certain inherited variants raise lifetime risk and the chance of a more aggressive form, so carriers are often offered earlier and more regular PSA testing.
