Can a BRCA Gene Mutation Cause Breast Cancer?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 help cells repair damage to DNA. A harmful change in one of these genes can reduce that repair function, allowing damaged cells to accumulate and making some cancers more likely. The change may be inherited from either parent and can affect people of any sex.

Having a BRCA mutation is a risk finding, not a diagnosis of cancer. A genetic result may be classified as harmful, uncertain, or not concerning; an uncertain result should not be treated as proof that cancer is present. Personal and family history helps a clinician interpret the result.

Arrange genetic counselling or a consultation with a breast specialist. Bring any available family history, including breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancers and the ages at diagnosis. A counsellor can explain whether testing is appropriate, review the exact laboratory wording, and discuss screening or risk-reducing choices.

Do not change medicines, screening appointments, or plans for preventive surgery based only on a home test or a family member's result. Testing the specific family variant may provide clearer information, while a negative result can have different meanings depending on the family history.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you notice a new breast or underarm lump, a persistent change in breast shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, unusual nipple discharge, or a breast-area change that does not settle. These signs can have causes other than cancer, but they need clinical assessment.

If you already know you carry a harmful BRCA mutation, ask for an individual screening plan even when you feel well. Screening is intended to find changes early; it cannot determine from symptoms alone whether a mutation has caused cancer.

Ask: What exact BRCA result was found? Does it change my screening plan? Should relatives consider counselling or testing? Which breast symptoms should prompt an earlier appointment? What options could lower my future risk, and what are their benefits and possible drawbacks?