Can breast cancer be inherited?

Yes: As many as 10-15% of all breast cancers in the US are of the hereditary type. This has been studied quite extensively and mutations to a specific gene, called the BRCA gene, is linked to this risk. These mutations may be found with the use of a simple blood test.

Absolutely: The major genes that are talked about are brca1 and 2. The risk of cancer is high enough that carriers of the gene will elect for bilateral mastectomy before even finding cancer. If one family member is a carrier, others should be tested. It is also associated with higher rates of male cancer.

The risk can: Breast cancer itself is not passed down, but the risk for developing breast cancer can be inherited. Mutations in genes called brca1 and brca2 can be passed from a parent to a child. These inherited mutations increase the risk of developing breast cancer dramatically. A person with a brca mutation may have a 50% or higher chance of developing breast cancer, but it's not 100%.