What is a BRCA alteration?

Genes are pieces of DNA that we inherit from our parents. You have two copies of each gene: one copy is inherited from your mother and the other from your father. We have approximately 20,000 genes, each with a specific function that helps us to grow and function normally.

There are a group of genes that work to protect against cancer by correcting damage that can occur in the DNA during cell division. These genes are known as tumour suppressor genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two examples of tumour suppressor genes. If you were born with an alteration in either of these genes that causes them to not work properly, you have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

The BRCA alteration itself does not cause cancer to occur on its own. You are at greater risk of developing cancer because your cells’ ability to repair DNA damage may be impaired by the alteration. It is the accumulation of DNA damage which causes the cell to change into a cancerous cell.