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BRCA1 Gene Mutations: Cancer Risks

Learn about the cancer risks associated with mutations in the BRCA1 gene. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.
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Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited 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. The risks listed below are estimates based on different large studies. 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. Note that when we use "men" we are referring to people assigned male at birth. When we use "women," we are referring to people assigned female at birth.

 

Breast cancer 

Cancer Type

Lifetime Risk with a BRCA1 Mutation

Lifetime Risk for General Population

Notes

Breast cancer in women (people assigned female at birth)

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

Male breast cancer (people assigned male at birth)

0.2-1.2%

0.1%

Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 1 2025


Gynecologic cancer 

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, vs. 1 2025


cancer 

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, vs. 1 2025


Pancreatic cancer 

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, vs. 1 2025

Other cancers

Research on how mutations in the  gene affect cancer risk is ongoing. Genetics experts often look at a person’s family history of cancer to help people with  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
  • sex assigned at birth
  • specific mutation
  • personal and family health history
  • diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors
Last updated September 21, 2024