The BRCA Connection: What Your Genes Tell You About Breast and Gynecologic Cancers
October 12, 2026
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Breast Cancer, Healthy Living
Tags: Breast Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
When it comes to cancer, your family history can tell an important story. A diagnosis of breast cancer in one family member and ovarian cancer in another may seem unrelated, but in some families, these cancers share a common genetic connection.
That connection may involve BRCA1 and BRCA2, two genes that play an important role in protecting the body from cancer. Understanding how these genes work, who should consider genetic testing and what treatment options are available can help you make informed decisions about your health.
What Are BRCA1 and BRCA2?
Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Their job is to help repair damaged DNA and prevent cells from growing uncontrollably.
However, some people inherit a harmful change, or mutation, in one of these genes. When that happens, the body's ability to repair certain types of DNA damage is reduced, increasing the risk of developing cancer.
BRCA mutations are most commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancers, although they can also increase the risk of pancreatic, prostate and certain other cancers.
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 60% of women who inherit a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, compared to approximately 13% of women in the general population. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is also significantly higher.
Having a BRCA mutation does not mean you will develop cancer. It means your risk is elevated, and knowing that risk can help you and your healthcare team take proactive steps.
The Connection Between BRCA and Breast Cancer
While most breast cancers are not caused by inherited mutations, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are among the most significant genes associated with hereditary breast cancer.
Women with these mutations may develop breast cancer at younger ages and even face an increased risk of developing breast cancer again later in life.
BRCA1 mutations are also associated with a greater likelihood of developing triple-negative breast cancer, a type that lacks three common markers used to guide treatment.
For individuals with increased genetic risk, understanding their BRCA status can influence decisions about screening, prevention and treatment.
Who Should Consider BRCA Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing isn't necessary for everyone, but it may be recommended based on your personal or family medical history.
You may benefit from discussing genetic testing with your healthcare provider if you:
- Have been diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly at a younger age.
- Have multiple family members with breast or ovarian cancer.
- Have a close relative with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
- Have a family history of male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer or certain aggressive prostate cancers.
- Have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which is associated with a higher prevalence of certain BRCA mutations.
Family history matters on both sides of your family. A BRCA mutation can be inherited from either parent.
Genetic testing typically involves a blood or saliva sample. A genetic counselor or qualified healthcare provider can help determine whether testing is appropriate, explain your results and discuss what they may mean for you and your family.
What Happens if You Test Positive?
A positive BRCA test doesn't automatically mean cancer treatment is necessary. Instead, it provides information that can help guide a personalized prevention or treatment plan.
Depending on your age, medical history and individual risk, your physician may recommend more frequent breast screenings, including mammograms and breast MRIs beginning at an earlier age.
Some patients may also consider preventive medications or risk-reducing surgery.
For patients already diagnosed with breast cancer, BRCA results may help guide treatment decisions. Options can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and, for certain eligible patients, targeted medications called PARP inhibitors that interfere with cancer cells' ability to repair DNA.
Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care at TMH
At TMH Physician Partners – Breast Specialists, patients receive comprehensive, individualized care from physicians specializing in breast health and breast surgery.
Shelby Blank, MD, Shlermine Everidge, MD, and their team of breast specialists help patients navigate a breast cancer diagnosis, understand their surgical options and make decisions based on their individual needs and risk factors.
For patients with hereditary breast cancer risk, these conversations may include breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy or risk-reducing surgical options when appropriate.
Working alongside other members of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s (TMH) cancer team, our breast specialists help coordinate comprehensive care that considers not only the cancer diagnosis, but also each patient's long-term health and quality of life.
How BRCA Mutations Affect Gynecologic Cancer Risk
Although BRCA is often discussed in connection with breast cancer, its relationship with gynecologic cancers is equally important.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are strongly associated with an increased risk of ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers.
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 39% to 58% of women with a harmful BRCA1 mutation will develop ovarian cancer during their lifetime, compared to approximately 1% of women in the general population.
Unlike breast cancer, ovarian cancer does not have a reliable routine screening test proven to detect the disease early enough to improve survival. This makes understanding inherited risk especially important.
For some women with BRCA mutations, preventive surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be recommended after childbearing is complete, with timing based on the specific mutation and individual circumstances.
Recognizing Symptoms and Understanding Your Risk
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and are sometimes mistaken for more common conditions.
Symptoms may include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, feeling full quickly or changes in urinary habits.
While these symptoms don't necessarily indicate cancer, persistent or unusual changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Advanced Gynecologic Cancer Care at TMH
TMH Physician Partners – Gynecologic Oncology patients have access to specialized care for ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Our gynecologic oncology team, led by fellowship-trained surgeons, Amanda Stephens, DO, and Christine Fitzsimmons, DO, develops personalized treatment plans that may include minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgery, complex pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and clinical trials.
Similar to breast cancer, for patients with ovarian cancer, BRCA testing can also help guide treatment. Certain patients may benefit from targeted therapies, including PARP inhibitors, depending on their cancer's characteristics and treatment history.
With experienced specialists and advanced treatment options available close to home, TMH helps patients access comprehensive gynecologic cancer care throughout their diagnosis and treatment.
Knowledge Is an Important First Step
Whether you're concerned about your family history, considering genetic testing or navigating a cancer diagnosis, understanding your BRCA status can provide valuable information.
At the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center, our breast and gynecologic cancer specialists are committed to helping patients understand their options and make confident, informed decisions about their care.
If you have questions about your risk for hereditary cancer, speak with your primary care provider. Knowing your family history and understanding when genetic testing may be appropriate could make a meaningful difference in your health.
