Hereditary breast cancer risk and genetic testing

Take care of your health by understanding your genetic risk of hereditary colon cancer. Genetic testing insights can help you and your healthcare provider take immediate steps toward an effective medical management plan.

Fast facts on breast cancer

The average woman in the U.S. has a 13.1% lifetime risk for breast cancer¹

Some hereditary cancer syndromes increase risk of breast cancer up to 87%¹

Knowing your hereditary breast cancer risk may help you and your healthcare provider take preventive action

Is breast cancer genetic?

Up to ten percent of breast cancer cases are caused by mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes³, which can be inherited through generations of family members.

Individuals who carry a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have a condition called Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome, which is associated with up to an 87% risk of developing breast cancer by age 70.⁴

While BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are the most common causes of hereditary breast cancer, there are additional hereditary gene mutations that have been associated with increased risk as well.⁵

Furthermore, mutation carriers who have already been diagnosed with cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing a second cancer.⁶

hereditary breast cancer risk chart with BRCA genetic mutation

Can breast cancer run in the family?

Yes, breast cancer can run in families. In fact, a family history of breast cancer can increase your risk of developing breast cancer in your lifetime. This includes, but is not limited to:³

a breast cancer diagnosis in a family member who is 50 or younger
an ovarian cancer diagnosis in a family member at any age
two breast cancer diagnoses in the same person or same side of the family
a breast cancer diagnosis in a male family member

Which parent passes down the breast cancer gene?

Every parent passes down a copy of both BRCA1 and BRCA2. You can inherit a mutated version of one of these genes from either parent. Having one of these mutations puts you at higher risk for breast cancer, regardless of which parent passed down the mutated gene.⁷

Who is at high risk for breast cancer?

The following inherited or non-modifiable factors may increase your risk for breast cancer:⁶

Sex: While men can develop breast cancer, being born female is a primary risk factor, as the disease is significantly more common in women
Age: Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed after age 50
Reproductive history: Women who began menstrual periods before age 12 and began menopause after age 55 are at higher risk, due to prolonged exposure to hormones
Breast density: Women with dense breasts are at higher risk for breast cancer, and having dense breast tissue can make spotting cancers on mammograms more difficult
Personal history: Women who have had breast cancer (or certain noncancerous breast diseases like atypical ductal hyperplasia) are at higher risk for breast cancer
Family history: Having family members, including males, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or having family members who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer can increase risk
Previous treatment: Undergoing radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before age 30 raises risk of developing breast cancer
Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES): Women who took the drug DES, or whose mothers took DES while pregnant, may be at higher risk for breast cancer

The following lifestyle-related factors can also increase your risk:⁸

Physical inactivity: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk, particularly in women past menopause
Excess weight: Women who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for breast cancer
Taking hormones: Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy taken during menopause, as well as oral contraceptives, can increase breast cancer risk
Reproductive history: Not breastfeeding, never having a full-term pregnancy, or having a first pregnancy after age 30 can increase risk of breast cancer
Alcohol consumption: Compared to those who do not drink alcohol, women who regularly consume alcohol are at higher risk for breast cancer

What are the risk factors for hereditary breast cancer?

Knowing your risk can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your health before the onset of cancer or before a second cancer has a chance to develop. Below are some, but not all, of the reasons why you may consider genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer:^*3

You have ever had breast cancer
You have had triple negative breast cancer
You have ever had ovarian cancer
You are male and have had breast cancer at any age
You are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and have a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer

Genetic testing should also be considered if your family had:³

A close relative diagnosed with breast cancer at or before age 50
A close relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age
Two breast cancers in the same person or on the same side of the family
A male family member diagnosed with breast cancer
A close relative diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at any age
Three or more family members with HBOC-associated** cancer on the same side of the family
A previously identified BRCA1, BRCA2 or other gene mutation in the family

*Assessment criteria are based on medical society guidelines.

**HBOC-associated cancers are breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic.

How do I get tested for hereditary breast cancer risk?

Talk to your provider about MyRisk^® Hereditary Cancer Test

MyRisk gives you a clearer understanding of your individual risk for 11 different types of hereditary cancers, including breast cancer. By evaluating 48 genes associated with hereditary cancer risk, MyRisk identifies genetic changes associated with an increased cancer risk. When combined with family history and other clinical factors, MyRisk with RiskScore^® provides a breast cancer risk assessment individualized to you.

Take the next step with hereditary cancer testing.

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What will genetic testing results tell me?

The MyRisk^® Hereditary Cancer Test identifies hereditary risk for cancers, including breast cancer. MyRisk can confirm the presence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation or a mutation in another gene associated with breast cancer risk.

If a mutation is identified through testing, the following medical management options (decided upon by you and your healthcare provider) may help reduce your risk or detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage:^†

Increased surveillance for breast or other cancers associated with the gene mutation, such as starting cancer screening at an earlier age
Risk-reducing medications
Preventive surgery, such as mastectomy

Your test results can also help your family members learn and understand more about inherited cancer risk and how it may affect them.

†Any discussion of medical management options is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation. While genetic testing and medical society guidelines provide important and useful information, all medical management decisions should be made based on consultation between each patient and his or her healthcare professional.

Is genetic testing still useful if I’ve already been diagnosed?

If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are additional tests to help guide you and your healthcare provider in identifying the most effective breast cancer treatment options.

View tests

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