BRCA1 Gene Mutations: Cancer Risks
Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations
People with a mutation have a higher risk for several cancers. These cancers tend to happen at a younger age than in people without a mutation. The risks listed below are estimates based on different large studies. To understand more about your risk, we recommend that you consult with a genetics expert who can look at your personal and family history of cancer and help you decide on a plan for managing your risk. Note that when we use "men" and "women" we are referring to the sex you were assigned at birth.
Cancer Type |
Lifetime Risk with a BRCA1 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Notes |
Breast cancer in women and people assigned female at birth |
65% |
12.5% |
|
Risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women who were premenopausal at the time of 1st diagnosis |
33% risk within 10 years of initial diagnosis |
Applies to women who have not had bilateral mastectomy |
|
Risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women who were postmenopausal at the time of 1st diagnosis |
12% risk within 10 years of initial diagnosis |
Applies to women who have not had bilateral mastectomy |
|
0.2-1.2% |
0.1% |
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Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 3 2024 |
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Cancer Type |
Lifetime Risk with a BRCA1 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Notes |
Ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers |
40-60% |
1.3% |
|
Endometrial cancer |
Less than 5% |
3.1% |
BRCA1 mutations have been linked to a rare but aggressive type of endometrial cancer. |
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 3 2024 |
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Lifetime Risk with a BRCA1 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Notes |
|
Prostate cancer |
Up to 26% |
12 |
People with an inherited BRCA1 mutation may be more likely to develop an aggressive type of prostate cancer. |
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 3 2024 |
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Lifetime Risk with a BRCA1 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
|
Pancreatic cancer |
5% |
1.7% |
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 3 2024 |
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Other cancers
Research on how mutations in the gene affect cancer risk is ongoing. Genetics experts often look at a person’s family history of cancer to help people with mutations understand their risk for additional cancers.
It is important to note that cancer risks are estimates over the course of a person's lifetime. Your lifetime risk and risk over the next five years will vary depending on:
- current age
- sex assigned at birth
- specific mutation
- personal and family health history
- diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors