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BRCA-1 and BRCA-2

Also known as: BRCA; Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes 1 and 2
Formal name: Breast Cancer Gene 1 and Breast Cancer Gene 2
Related tests: CA-125; Gene Expression Tests for Breast Cancer; CA 15-3; Her2/neu; Hormone Receptor Status; Tumor Markers

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NOTE: This article is based on research that utilizes the sources cited here as well as the collective experience of the Lab Tests Online Editorial Review Board. This article is periodically reviewed by the Editorial Board and may be updated as a result of the review. Any new sources cited will be added to the list and distinguished from the original sources used.

Sources Used in Current Review

(Updated 2007 November 27) Fact Sheet on Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility. CDC, Office of Public Health Genomics [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/training/perspectives/factshts/breastcancer.htm through http://www.cdc.gov. Accessed May 2009.

(Revised 2008 September 30). American Cancer Society [On-line information]. Available online through http://www.cancer.org. Accessed May 2009.

(2009 March 9). BRCA Results Influence Women's Views of Preventive Mastectomy American Cancer Society [On-line information]. Available online through http://www.cancer.org. Accessed May 2009.

(2009 February 24). Removal of Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes Cuts Cancer Risk for BRCA-1/2 Carriers. National Cancer Institute [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/BRCA0209 through http://www.cancer.gov. Accessed May 2009.

(Updated 2009 February 25). Learning About Breast Cancer. National Human Genome Research Institute [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10000507 through http://www.genome.gov. Accessed May 2009.

Afonso, N. (2009 March 4). Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer - What the Primary Care Provider Needs to Know. Medscape from Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. Available online at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586947 through http://www.medscape.com. Accessed May 2009.

Wu, A. (© 2006). Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 4th Edition: Saunders Elsevier, St. Louis, MO. Pp 184-185.

(May 29, 2009) National Cancer Institute. BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing. Available online at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA through http://www.cancer.gov. Accessed November 2009.

Sources Used in Previous Reviews

Fasouliotis SJ and Schenker JG. BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Mutations: Decision-Making Dilemmas Concerning Testing and Management. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey 55(6); 373-384 (2000).

(2005 September 16, Revised). Overview: Breast Cancer. American Cancer Society [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?rnav=criov&dt=5 through http://www.cancer.org.

(2005 January 1, Revised). Overview: Ovarian Cancer. American Cancer Society [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?dt=33 through http://www.cancer.org.

(2005 September 5). Task Force Recommends Against Routine Testing for Genetic Risk of Breast or Ovarian Cancer in the General Population. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [On-line Press Release]. Available online at http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2005/brcagenpr.htm through http://www.ahrq.gov.

(2005 July 18, Updated). Fact Sheet on Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility. CDC Genomics and Disease Prevention [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/info/factshts/breastcancer.htm through http://www.cdc.gov.

(2005 September). Genetic Risk Assessment and BRCA Mutation Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force [On-line Press Release]. Available online at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrgen.htm through http://www.ahrq.gov.

Petrucelli, N. et. al. (2004 September 3). BRCA1 and BRCA2 Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer]. GeneReviews [On-line information]. Available online through http://www.genetests.org.

Brown, A. (2005 September 23). Most Breast Cancers Not Linked to Ovarian Cancer. MedlinePlus Reuters Health Information, from Journal of the National Cancer Institute [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_27070.html through http://www.nlm.nih.gov.

Brian E Ward, Ph.D. FACMG. Senior Vice President of Medical Services. Myriad Genetic Laboratories.