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BRCA Genes and Breast Cancer: Do You Need Genetic Testing?

ditinjau oleh dr. Devi Elora - KALGen Academia Team

11 March 2026

When someone in your family is diagnosed with breast cancer, feelings of concern often arise along with one big question: “Am I at risk of developing the same condition?” This concern often leads many people to learn about BRCA genes, which are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. However, does everyone with a family history need to undergo BRCA genetic testing?

Understanding BRCA Genes

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes play an important role as tumor suppressor genes. Under normal conditions, these genes produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA and prevent cells from growing and dividing uncontrollably. Every person has two copies of the BRCA gene, one inherited from their mother and one from their father.

If one copy of the BRCA gene carries a harmful mutation (pathogenic variant), the risk of developing several types of cancer—particularly breast and ovarian cancer—increases. Approximately 3% of breast cancer cases and 10% of ovarian cancer cases are caused by BRCA mutations. If one parent carries this mutation, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.

Even if a person inherits one mutated BRCA gene, there is usually still one normal copy that helps protect the cell. However, if this remaining normal copy also undergoes changes during a person’s lifetime (known as a somatic mutation), the DNA repair mechanism may be disrupted, allowing cells to develop into cancer.

Facts About Breast Cancer and BRCA Genes

Breast cancer risk is influenced by various factors, particularly female sex and increasing age. Most breast cancer cases occur in women over the age of 50, although the disease can also develop in individuals without obvious risk factors.

Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean someone will develop cancer, and each factor contributes differently to the overall risk. Around 5–10% of breast cancer cases and 10–15% of ovarian cancer cases are hereditary, meaning they are passed down within families due to mutations in certain genes, including the BRCA genes.

More specifically:

BRCA1 mutations account for approximately 35% of hereditary breast cancer cases. The lifetime risk of breast cancer up to age 70 ranges from 44–78%, while the risk of ovarian cancer ranges from 18–54%. In men, the risk of breast cancer increases to approximately 0.2–2.8%.

BRCA2 mutations account for about 25% of hereditary breast cancer cases. The lifetime risk of breast cancer up to age 70 ranges from 31–56%, while the risk of ovarian cancer ranges from 2.4–19%. In men, the risk of breast cancer can increase to 3.2–12%.

Management strategies for individuals with BRCA mutations are highly personalized and may include enhanced surveillance, preventive therapy such as tamoxifen, or preventive surgery. Therefore, education and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential to determine the most appropriate steps for each individual. However, before deciding on these measures, it is important to first determine whether a person carries a BRCA mutation.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

BRCA genetic testing is not necessary for everyone. This test is generally recommended for individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly when the cancer occurs at a relatively young age or affects more than one family member.

Several medical organizations, including the American College of Medical Genetics, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the United States Preventive Services Task Force, recommend risk assessment for individuals with a personal or family history of cancers associated with BRCA genes.

If the risk assessment indicates a higher likelihood of hereditary cancer, individuals are typically advised to undergo genetic counseling and consider BRCA genetic testing.

In addition, patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer—whether newly diagnosed or experiencing recurrence—are often recommended to undergo genetic testing. The results can help guide more personalized treatment decisions and provide important information for family members regarding their potential risk.

Take a Proactive Step to Identify Your Risk

Understanding your risk early can help you take more personalized preventive measures. By learning about your genetic risk profile, you can perform more regular screenings, adopt a healthier lifestyle, and plan appropriate medical steps if needed.

The earlier the risk is identified, the greater the opportunity to prevent cancer or detect it at an earlier stage, when treatment outcomes are often more favorable. In addition, understanding your risk can help you become more aware of changes in your body.

Simple actions such as regular health check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals can become important parts of cancer prevention. Information about genetic risk can also provide clearer insight into long-term health monitoring strategies. As a result, health-related decisions can be made in a more informed and strategic manner.

This approach allows prevention and early detection efforts to be carried out more effectively.

Conclusion from KALGen Innolab

Breast cancer is influenced not only by factors such as age and sex but, in some cases, also by genetic factors, including mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Although not everyone with a family history of cancer needs genetic testing, individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, early-age diagnosis, or cancers associated with BRCA mutations should consider undergoing risk assessment and genetic counseling.

Knowing your risk early enables more personalized and targeted preventive strategies, including more frequent screening, lifestyle adjustments, and appropriate medical planning.

To help identify hereditary risk more specifically, KALGen Innolab provides the KALScreen Hereditary BRCA1 & BRCA2 test, enabling individuals and families to plan prevention and health monitoring strategies more effectively.

Take a proactive step today for your long-term health protection and your family’s well-being.

“Know Your Genetics. Control Your Risk.”