BRCAmutaatio

BRCAmutaatio refers to a change or alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genes are known as tumor suppressor genes, and their normal function is to help repair damaged DNA and maintain the stability of a cell's genetic material. When a BRCAmutaatio occurs, this repair process is impaired, which can lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

The most commonly associated cancers with BRCAmutaatio are hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. However, mutations in these genes can also increase the risk of prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. It is important to note that having a BRCAmutaatio does not guarantee that cancer will develop, but it significantly elevates the probability.

BRCAmutaatio is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that a person only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene from either parent to have an increased risk. Genetic testing is available to identify BRCAmutaatio in individuals with a strong family history of these cancers or those diagnosed with them at a younger age. Understanding one's BRCA mutation status can inform personalized cancer screening, prevention strategies, and treatment decisions.