BRCA Explained

Every one of us has two BRCA genes; BRCA1 and BRCA2. Some people may have a fault, sometimes called a mutation, in either of their BRCA genes and this significantly increases their risk of developing certain types of cancer. This is true for men and women alike.

Several ethnic groups, including Jewish people, have an increased prevalence of BRCA gene faults compared to the general population.

Not all cancers are preventable, but the BRCA-associated cancers are. Awareness of and testing of the BRCA genes in high risk groups, such as the Jewish community, critical for the prevention or early detection of BRCA-associated cancers.