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BRCA 1/2 gene mutations - A to Z

Woman with nurse This page links to content about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Inheriting a fault (mutation) in one of these genes greatly increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer. But they are rare in the population and only cause 2-5 per cent of all breast cancer cases. The BRCA genes are also linked to an increased risk of prostate and ovarian cancer.

Find out more using the links below.

Our impact on breast cancer

Our progress and achievements in the 1990s

News story: Israeli researchers developing BRCA 'radiation' test
22 January 2013
News story: 'Targeted' breast and ovarian cancer drug could have far wider application
23 August 2011
Press Release: Scientists discover first DNA region to alter breast cancer risk in women with BRCA1 faults
19 September 2010
News story: Men with faulty BRCA2 gene have estimated 1-in-15 chance of breast cancer by age 70
8 July 2010
News story: Promising early results from drug trial for inherited ovarian cancer
20 April 2010
News story: New drugs could treat more types of cancer
17 September 2009
Press Release: Cauliflower and broccoli boost cancer protection
7 February 2006

Press Release: Hundreds more breast cancer patients should be tested for BRCA1 gene
15 February 2012
News story: Trial suggests PARP inhibitor drugs may help to prevent ovarian cancer from coming back
19 May 2011
News story: Experimental drug shrinks tumours in women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers
16 August 2010
Press Release: Gene study backs promise of breast cancer drugs to treat hereditary prostate cancer
24 June 2010
News story: Lifetime Achievement Award for Professor Alan Ashworth
30 September 2009
News story: Fertility authority may allow cancer screening
11 May 2006

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