BRCA2 Fact Sheet
Cancer Risk Estimates
Cancer Type | Average lifetime risk | Risk by age 70 with BRCA2 variant* |
---|---|---|
Female breast | 12% | 38-84% |
Male breast | <0.1% | up to 8.9% |
Ovarian | 1-2% | 16-27% |
Prostate | 11% | 15-20% |
Pancreatic | <1% | 2-7% |
Melanoma (cutaneous/ocular) | 1.6% | Elevated |
*Risk estimates are from GeneReviews, and may vary amongst different studies.
Medical Management
Medical recommendations for early detection and prevention of cancer include:
Female breast:
- Breast self-exam starting at age 18
- Clinical breast exam starting at age 25, every 6-12 months
- Annual breast MRI with contrast starting at age 25
- Annual breast MRI with contrast and mammography starting at age 30
- Consideration of risk-reducing mastectomy
- Options for breast cancer risk-reduction medications like tamoxifen
Male breast: Breast self-exam and clinical breast exam starting at age 35
Ovarian:
- Risk-reducing removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) is recommended, typically by age 35-40 and upon completion of childbearing
- Transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 testing starting at age 30-35
- Options for ovarian cancer risk-reduction medications like birth control pills
Prostate: Prostate cancer screening starting at age 45, including annual digital rectal examination and PSA testing.
Pancreatic: There are no specific recommendations. Screening should be individualized based on your family history of pancreatic cancer.
Melanoma: Skin exam by a dermatologist.
Recommendations may be individualized based on your personal and family history of these cancer types. Speak to your doctor about what options are right for you.
For More Information
- General information and support resources: www.facingourrisk.org
- Genetic Information Nondiscrimination: www.ginahelp.org
- Find a Genetic Counselor: www.nsgc.org/page/find-a-gc-search