Gene and marker tests
BRCA1 / BRCA2 mutation
Also written as BRCA1, BRCA2, BRCA mutation, BRCA positive, gBRCA, BRCA1/2
What it means
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that make proteins which repair damaged DNA. Changes in them significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and can raise the risk of others such as prostate and pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
A BRCA result can affect treatment and family risk. Your oncologist or a genetic counsellor can explain what it means.
Ask your oncologist
"Is my BRCA result inherited, and should my relatives be offered testing?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: BRCA1 gene and NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: BRCA2 gene. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.