What are the statistics of the brca/breast cancer gene?

Low incidence: Approximately 1 in 40 ashkenazi jewish women have a brca mutation. It also is seen in other isolated populations. A brca1 mutation can be inherited from a mother or father and is associated with up to a 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 40 % risk of ovarian cancer options include increased surveillance chemo prevention or risk reduction surgery.

Family history: It depends on your family history. If you do not have cancer yourself, you may still carry the gene. If a parent, sibling, grandparent or aunt/uncle has had ovarian cancer, breast cancer before age 45, or if any male relatives have had breast cancer, or if anyone in your family is known to carry a brca mutation, you may be at risk. Ask your doctor if genetic counseling is recommended.

Risky!: Women w/ 2+ immediate family members w/ a hx of breast/ovarian CA at 50% chance of developing breast cancer. If you have it, get screened with CA-125 blood test, ultrasound, mammogram/MRI, usually starting at age 30. Surgery after childbearing.