Breast Cancer Risk Factors: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Inherited Gene Mutations in Men
Read our blog, Men Get Breast Cancer Too.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2) are the most well-known genes linked to breast cancer.
This section provides information on BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutations in men. If you have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation, or if a family member has a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation, you may have questions about what this means for you. Learn about:
- Risk of male breast cancer
- Risk of other cancers
- Treatment
- Genetic testing
- Cancer screening recommendations
- Clinical trials
- Support
Learn about BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations in women.
Genes and inherited gene mutations
What are genes?
Every cell in your body has genes. Genes contain the genetic code (blueprints) for your body.
For example, genes contain the information that determines the color of your eyes. They also contain information that affects how the cells in your body grow, divide and die.
The information in your genes is inherited (passed on from your mother and your father). And you can pass this information on to your children (your daughters and your sons).
What are inherited gene mutations?
Some changes in the genetic code that affect the function of the gene are called mutations. Mutations are rare.
Just as with other information in genes, mutations can be inherited (passed on from a parent to a child). Inherited gene mutations may also be called germline mutations.
Though gene mutations can be passed down from parent to child, this doesn’t mean if one of your parents has a mutation you will have the mutation. You get one copy of each gene from your mother and one copy from your father.
For example, your mother has two BRCA1 genes. If one of your mother’s BRCA1 genes has a mutation (and her other BRCA1 gene doesn’t have a mutation), there’s a 50% chance you’ll inherit the mutation and a 50% chance you won’t. You get one of your two BRCA1 genes from your mother and it’s random which copy you get.
Inherited gene mutations and health
Many inherited gene mutations have little or no effect on health (good or bad). Others can increase the risk of certain diseases, including breast cancer.
In the U.S., 5%-10% of breast cancers in women are related to a known inherited gene mutation [6,38]. However, up to 40% of breast cancers in men may be related to BRCA2 inherited gene mutations alone [243].
Learn more about inherited gene mutations.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutations
Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Some people have an inherited mutation in one or both of these genes that increases the risk of breast cancer.
BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations can be passed to you from either parent. They increase the risk of cancers in both women and men.
A person with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation is sometimes called a BRCA1/2 carrier.
How common are BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations?
Like other inherited gene mutations, BRCA1/2 inherited mutations are rare in the general population. In the U.S., about 1 in 400 to 1 in 800 people have a BRCA1/2 gene mutation [642].
The proportion of people with a BRCA1/2 gene mutation varies by ethnic group. Among Ashkenazi Jewish women and men, about 1 in 40 have a BRCA1/2 gene mutation [38].
In the U.S., among men diagnosed with breast cancer (at any age) [38]:
- About 1 in 5 Ashkenazi Jewish men have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation
- About 1 in 20 men in the general population have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation
Data on BRCA1/2 mutations in some ethnic groups are limited and more study is needed.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations and cancer risks
Men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation have an increased risk of [33,35,38-39,192-194,210,240-242]:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Melanoma, a type of skin cancer (BRCA2 gene mutations only)
Men with BRCA1/2 gene mutations may also have an increased risk of other cancers [38]. However, data are limited, and these topics are under study.
| For a summary of research studies on BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations and cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section. |
BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations and male breast cancer
Risk of breast cancer
Men with a BRCA2 inherited gene mutation, and to a lesser degree, men with a BRCA1 inherited gene mutation, have an increased risk of breast cancer [33,35,38-39,192-194,210,240-242].
By age 70, the chance of developing breast cancer is [39,244]:
- About 20 to 70 in 1,000 men with a BRCA2 inherited gene mutation
- About 2 to 12 in 1,000 men with a BRCA1 inherited gene mutation
- About 1 in 1,000 men (up to any age) in the general population
While 5%-10% of breast cancers in women are thought to be due to inherited gene mutations, up to 40% of breast cancers in men may be related to BRCA2 inherited gene mutations alone [243].
This means men who get breast cancer are more likely to have an inherited gene mutation than women who get breast cancer. For this reason, genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) gene mutations is recommended for all men diagnosed with breast cancer [214].
Other inherited gene mutations that may increase the risk of male breast cancer are under study [245-247].
Learn about breast cancer screening in men with BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations.
Learn about genetic testing for men with breast cancer.
Risk of a second primary breast cancer
People with BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations have an increased risk of a second primary breast cancer in the opposite (contralateral) breast [38-39]. This is a new breast cancer that develops after a first breast cancer.
| For a summary of research studies on BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations and breast cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section. |
Risk factors for breast cancer in men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation
Whether the risk factors for breast cancer in men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation are different from those for men without a BRCA1/2 gene mutation is under study.
Learn about risk factors for breast cancer in men.
Cancer screening for men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation
Cancer screening tests are used to find cancer in a person who has no warning signs or symptoms. Screening may help find cancer early, when the chances of long-term survival are highest.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) encourages people with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation to consider clinical trials for cancer screening and imaging.
Breast cancer screening
Men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer [33,35,38-39,192-194,210,240-242].
The NCCN recommends men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation get breast cancer screening. Men with a PALB2 inherited gene mutation may consider these breast cancer screening recommendations [39].
Starting at 35, men with a BRCA1/2 gene mutation should [39]:
- Have a clinical breast exam every year
- Learn how to do breast self-exam (your health care provider can show you how)
Men with men a BRCA1/2 gene mutation, especially those with a BRCA2 gene mutation, should consider [39]:
- Mammography every year, starting at age 50 or starting 10 years before the earliest known male breast cancer in the family (whichever comes first)
Men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation should also be aware of the warning signs of breast cancer.
The NCCN encourages men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation to consider clinical trials for cancer screening and imaging.
Learn about treatment for breast cancer in men.
Prostate cancer screening
Men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation have an increased risk of prostate cancer [35,38-39,194,210,240-242].
Starting at age 40, the NCCN recommends [39]:
- Men with a BRCA2 gene mutation have prostate cancer screening
- Men with a BRCA1 gene mutation consider having prostate cancer screening
Pancreatic cancer screening
Men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer [38-39,194,210].
The NCCN recommends pancreatic cancer screening for men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation and a family history of pancreatic cancer [39]. The NCCN does not recommend pancreatic cancer screening for men with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation but no family history of pancreatic cancer [39].
Melanoma
Men with a BRCA2 inherited gene mutation have an increased risk of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) [38-39,240].
The NCCN does not have melanoma screening guidelines for people with a BRCA2 inherited gene mutation. However, it recommends those with a BRCA2 gene mutation limit sun exposure and consider yearly full-body skin exams to check for signs of melanoma [39].
Treatment for male breast cancers related to BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations
In general, breast cancers related to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation are treated in the same way breast cancers not related to a BRCA1/2 gene mutation are treated.
However, some drug therapies may be more effective in treating BRCA1/2-related breast cancers than other breast cancers [214].
Early breast cancer treatment
The PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) is used to treat some HER2-negative early breast cancers in people with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation [214].
Learn more about olaparib in the treatment of early breast cancer.
Learn more about emerging areas in drug therapies for early breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer treatment
The PARP inhibitors olaparib (Lynparza) and talazoparib (Talzenna) are used to treat metastatic breast cancers in some people with BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations [214]. These drugs are not used to treat breast cancers in people without BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations.
Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs (such as carboplatin and cisplatin) are preferred chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of BRCA1/2-related metastatic breast cancers [214].
Learn more about treatments for metastatic breast cancer.
Male breast cancer and genetic testing
Genetic testing gives people the chance to learn if their breast cancer or family history of breast cancer is due to an inherited gene mutation.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends all men diagnosed with breast cancer have genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutations [214].
Your health care provider can recommend a genetic counselor so you can learn more about genetic testing.
Learn more about genetic counseling and genetic testing.
Family members of those with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation
The NCCN encourages people with a close family member with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation, but have not been tested themselves, to consider genetic testing and talk with their health care providers about breast cancer screening [39,163].
If you’re considering genetic testing, discuss the risks and benefits with a genetic counselor or a trained provider, such as a doctor or nurse.
Men found to have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation should get screening for breast cancer and screening for other cancers.
My Family Health History Tool |
My Family Health History tool is a web-based tool that makes it easy for you to record and organize your family health history. It can help you gather information that’s useful as you talk with your family members, doctor or genetic counselor. |
Learn more about genetic counseling and genetic testing.
Clinical trials for men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation
Men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation are encouraged to join a clinical trial looking at new cancer screening methods or more frequent cancer screening for men at higher risk of breast cancer [39,163].
There are also clinical trials for breast cancer treatment and other areas of breast cancer care.
Susan G. Komen® Patient Care Center |
If you or a loved one needs information or resources about clinical trials, the Patient Care Center can help. Contact the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email clinicaltrialinfo@komen.org. Se habla español. |
BreastCancerTrials.org in collaboration with Komen offers a custom matching service to help you find clinical trials that fit your health needs. This includes clinical trials for breast cancer screening, risk reduction and treatment for people with BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations.
Learn more about clinical trials.
Support
Men at higher risk of breast cancer
If you’re at higher risk of cancer due to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation, it may be helpful to connect with other men at higher risk.
Some support groups are tailored to people with BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations. For example, the organization FORCE provides online and telephone support for men with inherited gene mutations related to breast cancer. FORCE also provides support for individuals and caregivers affected by hereditary breast, prostate and other cancers.
Men with breast cancer
You may feel isolated after a breast cancer diagnosis. Some organizations offer online support groups and other support resources for men with breast cancer. To learn more, call the Komen Patient Care Center at 1-877-465-6366 or email helpline@komen.org. Se habla español.
Other organizations, including the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, also offer online support groups and other support resources for men with breast cancer.
In-person support groups for breast cancer may only have female members, so joining a support group for men with any type of cancer may be more helpful to you.
Our Support section offers a list of resources to help find local and online support groups.
Susan G. Komen® Support Resources |
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Updated 06/06/24