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©2013 UpToDate ® Print Email Estimated cancer risks associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations Cancer type Risk in BRCA1/2 carriers to age 70 years General population risk to age 70 years Comments Breast 40 to 75 percent 7 percent The range of risk reported in the literature is wide. In most studies, risk in BRCA1 carriers is higher than that observed in BRCA2 carriers The incidence of breast cancer diagnosed younger than 50 years of age is higher in BRCA1 carriers compared to BRCA2 carriers, but both groups have an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer, as well as increased lifetime risks Contralateral (opposite) breast BRCA1 : up to 65 percent BRCA2 : up to 50 percent 0.5 to 1 percent per year after diagnosis Risk is affected by other factors such as tamoxifen use and oophorectomy (ovary removal) For BRCA1/2 carriers who have had lumpectomy: Risk of developing a second breast cancer in the affected breast appears to be elevated over long follow-up periods Ovarian BRCA1 : Approximately 40 percent BRCA2 : Approximately 15 percent <1 percent The risk estimates provided here are representative of findings from multiple studies The incidence of ovarian cancer diagnosed younger than 50 years of age is higher in BRCA1 carriers, and overall rare in all carriers younger than 40 years old; risk of fallopian tube cancer is also substantially elevated Colon Unclear 2 percent If elevated, risk is small; studies have not been consistent about whether risk is elevated Prostate Elevated; absolute risk not well defined 8 percent Whites 12 percent African Americans Risk appears to be higher in BRCA2 carriers and possibly in men younger than 65 years old Male breast Elevated but <10 percent <1 percent Risk appears to be higher in BRCA2 carriers; rarely occurs in men younger than age 50 Pancreatic Elevated but <10 percent <1 percent Risk appears to be higher in BRCA2 carriers Other sites To be determined Varied These sites may include cancer of the stomach and skin (melanoma) These risks are estimates based upon review of the literature. Specific studies have reported risks that are lower or higher than the ranges or estimates quoted; however, the estimates reported here are representative of findings from high quality studies. Risks will also vary based on an individual's current age and other risk factors.