BRCA1 Gene Mutations: Cancer Risks
Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited BRCA1 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. 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. The risks listed below are experts' best estimates based on different large studies.
Cancer Type |
Lifetime Risk with a BRCA1 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Notes |
Breast cancer in women |
60 - 72% |
12.5% |
|
20-year risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women diagnosed with breast cancer |
30 - 40% |
Applies to women who have not had bilateral mastectomy |
|
15 year risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women who were premenopausal at the time of 1st diagnosis |
>20% |
Applies to women who have not had bilateral mastectomy |
|
0.2-1.2% |
0.1% |
||
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Prostate, vs. 3, 2025. |
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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 |
39 - 58% |
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, Prostate, vs. 3, 2025. |
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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, Prostate, vs. 3, 2025. |
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Lifetime Risk with a BRCA1 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
|
Pancreatic cancer |
Up to 5% |
1.7% |
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Prostate vs. 3, 2025. |
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Other cancers
Research on how mutations in the BRCA1 gene affect cancer risk is ongoing. Genetics experts often look at a person’s family history of cancer to help people with BRCA1 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
- gender
- specific mutation
- personal and family health history
- diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors
More Resources
Participate in Prevention Research
Below are some of our featured research studies looking at new ways to screen for, prevent or intercept cancer in people with BRCA1 mutations. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.
Screening Study for Pancreatic Cancer in People with Inherited Mutations
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05058846
PATROL Study: Prostate Cancer Screening for People AT Genetic Risk FOr Aggressive Disease
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04472338
Screening Study for Men at High Genetic Risk for Prostate Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03805919
Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection for People at High Risk
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04970056
Screening in Men at High Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05608694
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05287451