How common is the BRCA mutation? Are there certain populations that are more likely to have it?

Hi Anon,

Thank you for sharing your question about the BRCA mutation with the EmpowHER community.

Research suggests that BRCA mutations are more common in Jewish people of Ashkenazi (Eastern Europe) origin than in other racial and ethnic groups according to the American Cancer Society.

Female carriers of family-specific BRCA1 or BRCA2 (Breast Cancer type 1 or 2) mutation genes have substantial risk (40-65 percent) for developing breast cancer in their lifetime when compared with the general population. In the United States that's about 5-10 percent of the diagnosed breast cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

https://www.empowher.com/breast-cancer/content/negative-brca-genetic-test-may-not-tell-whole-story

Here is a link to help answer your questions http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/breastcancerearlydetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-risk-factors-you-cannot-change

Anon, I hope this information helps you. Please let me know.

Best,

Kristin