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PubMed This is a summary of 18 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Oncology · Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome

Cancer Risks and Genetic Differences

At a Glance

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome increases the risk of several cancers. BRCA1 mutations are strongly linked to early, triple-negative breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA2 mutations carry higher risks for hormone-positive breast, aggressive prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

Understanding your specific cancer risk is a key step in managing Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome. It is important to remember that a genetic mutation provides a probability of developing cancer, not a certainty [1]. Most people with these mutations take proactive steps that significantly reduce these risks [2][3].

Female Cancer Risks

The primary risks associated with HBOC are breast and ovarian cancer. However, the level of risk and the age it begins can differ based on whether you carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Breast Cancer

Both mutations significantly increase the lifetime risk of breast cancer compared to the roughly 12% risk in the general population [4][1].

  • BRCA1: Higher risk of early-onset breast cancer, often starting in the 20s or 30s [5]. Approximately 70% of these cancers are Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a subtype that does not respond to hormone therapies and can be more aggressive [6][7].
  • BRCA2: Risk often begins slightly later, similar to the general population, though it remains much higher overall [5]. These cancers are less likely to be triple-negative (about 23%) and are often hormone-receptor positive [6].

Ovarian Cancer

The risk for ovarian cancer is also elevated, which is why doctors often recommend preventive removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes [8][3].

  • BRCA1: Lifetime risk is higher, and the age of onset is typically earlier (doctors often suggest surgery by age 35–40) [9][10].
  • BRCA2: Lifetime risk is lower than BRCA1, and the age of onset is often later (surgery may be discussed by age 40–45) [9][10].

Male Cancer Risks

HBOC is not just a “women’s health” issue. Men who carry these mutations face their own set of risks, particularly with BRCA2.

  • Male Breast Cancer: While rare in the general population, the risk is significantly higher for men with a BRCA mutation, especially BRCA2 [11][9].
  • Prostate Cancer: Both mutations increase risk, but BRCA2 is more strongly linked to more frequent and more aggressive forms of prostate cancer [9][12]. Men with these mutations should discuss early screening, such as PSA tests, with their doctors [13].

Shared Risks: Pancreatic Cancer

Both men and women with HBOC have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer [14].

  • BRCA2 carries a higher risk of pancreatic cancer than BRCA1 [14].
  • If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer in addition to your mutation, your doctor may recommend specialized screening, such as endoscopic ultrasound or MRI, although this is usually managed by a multi-disciplinary team [15][16].

Risk Summary Table

Note: These percentages are lifetime estimates and can vary based on your specific family history [17][18].

Cancer Type General Population BRCA1 Mutation BRCA2 Mutation
Female Breast ~12% 55% – 72% [4] 45% – 69% [4]
Ovarian ~1.3% 39% – 44% [1] 11% – 17% [1]
Male Breast ~0.1% ~1% [9] ~7% – 8% [9]
Prostate ~12% Increased [9] ~20% or higher [9]
Pancreatic ~1.5% ~1% – 3% [14] ~2% – 7% [14]

Common questions in this guide

Does having a BRCA mutation mean I will definitely get cancer?
No, having a genetic mutation provides a probability of developing cancer, not a certainty. Most people with BRCA mutations work with their healthcare team to take proactive steps, like specialized screening and preventive surgeries, that can significantly reduce their actual risk.
What is the difference between BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer risks?
While both mutations significantly increase breast cancer risk, BRCA1 cancers often start earlier (in the 20s or 30s) and are frequently triple-negative, meaning they don't respond to hormone therapies. BRCA2-related breast cancers tend to occur slightly later and are often hormone-receptor positive.
Can men get breast cancer if they have a BRCA mutation?
Yes, men with HBOC mutations face an increased risk of male breast cancer. This risk is notably higher for men who carry a BRCA2 mutation compared to those with a BRCA1 mutation or the general population.
How do BRCA mutations affect prostate cancer risk?
Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, the BRCA2 mutation is strongly linked to more frequent and more aggressive forms of the disease, making early screening like PSA tests important for male carriers.
Do BRCA mutations increase the risk of pancreatic cancer?
Yes, both men and women with HBOC have a slightly elevated risk of pancreatic cancer compared to the general population. This risk is generally higher for individuals with a BRCA2 mutation, and specific screening may be recommended if there is also a family history of the disease.

Questions for Your Doctor

5 questions

  • •How do my specific gene mutation and family history affect the timing of my cancer screenings?
  • •If I have a BRCA1 mutation, how does the high risk of triple-negative breast cancer change my screening or prevention options?
  • •Are there specific signs of male breast cancer that my male relatives and I should be aware of?
  • •What is the current recommendation for pancreatic cancer screening given my mutation status and family history?
  • •For my male relatives with a BRCA2 mutation, when should they start prostate cancer screening and which tests (like PSA) are most appropriate?

Questions for You

3 questions

  • •Have any of my male relatives had breast, prostate, or pancreatic cancer, and at what age were they diagnosed?
  • •How do I feel about the possibility of preventive surgeries (like removing the ovaries or breasts) versus more intensive screening (like frequent MRIs)?
  • •Am I comfortable discussing these specific cancer risks with my family members to help them understand their own potential risks?

References

References (18)
  1. 1

    Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

    Daly MB, Pal T, Berry MP, et al.

    Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN 2021; (19(1)):77-102.

    PMID: 33406487
  2. 2

    Effectiveness of Prophylactic Surgeries in BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

    Li X, You R, Wang X, et al.

    Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research 2016; (22(15)):3971-81 doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-15-1465.

    PMID: 26979395
  3. 3

    Effect of Oophorectomy on Survival After Breast Cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers.

    Metcalfe K, Lynch HT, Foulkes WD, et al.

    JAMA oncology 2015; (1(3)):306-13 doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.0658.

    PMID: 26181175
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    Practice Bulletin No. 182 Summary: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.

    Obstetrics and gynecology 2017; (130(3)):657-659 doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002285.

    PMID: 28832475
  5. 5

    Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

    Wong-Brown MW, Meldrum CJ, Carpenter JE, et al.

    Breast cancer research and treatment 2015; (150(1)):71-80 doi:10.1007/s10549-015-3293-7.

    PMID: 25682074
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    Contribution of BRCA1 5382insC mutation in triple negative breast cancer in Tunisia.

    Mahfoudh W, Bettaieb I, Ghedira R, et al.

    Journal of translational medicine 2019; (17(1)):123 doi:10.1186/s12967-019-1873-8.

    PMID: 30975216
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    Association Between BRCA Status and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

    Chen H, Wu J, Zhang Z, et al.

    Frontiers in pharmacology 2018; (9()):909 doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00909.

    PMID: 30186165
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    Peritoneal carcinomatosis after risk-reducing surgery in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

    Harmsen MG, Piek JMJ, Bulten J, et al.

    Cancer 2018; (124(5)):952-959 doi:10.1002/cncr.31211.

    PMID: 29315498
  9. 9

    Five Italian Families with Two Mutations in BRCA Genes.

    Vietri MT, Caliendo G, D'Elia G, et al.

    Genes 2020; (11(12)) doi:10.3390/genes11121451.

    PMID: 33287145
  10. 10

    Bilateral Oophorectomy and the Risk of Breast Cancer in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers: A Reappraisal.

    Kotsopoulos J, Lubinski J, Gronwald J, et al.

    Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology 2022; (31(7)):1351-1358 doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-21-1196.

    PMID: 35477169
  11. 11

    Male Breast Cancer: Epidemiology and Risk Factors.

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    Seminars in oncology 2017; (44(4)):267-272 doi:10.1053/j.seminoncol.2017.11.002.

    PMID: 29526255
  12. 12

    Prostate cancer and genetic contributions.

    Chou WH, Chalker C, Sokolova AO, Isharwal S

    Andrology 2025; (13(5)):1149-1157 doi:10.1111/andr.13812.

    PMID: 39611376
  13. 13

    Metachronous or synchronous male breast and prostate cancers a duality to lookout for.

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  14. 14

    Incidence and Prevalence of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms in Individuals With BRCA1 and BRCA2 Pathogenic Variant.

    Shah I, Silva-Santisteban A, Germansky KA, et al.

    Journal of clinical gastroenterology 2023; (57(3)):317-323 doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001683.

    PMID: 35220378
  15. 15

    Familial Pancreatic Cancer.

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    Gastroenterology clinics of North America 2022; (51(3)):561-575 doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2022.06.006.

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    Screening for Pancreatic Cancer.

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    Risks of Breast, Ovarian, and Contralateral Breast Cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers.

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    PMID: 28632866
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    Contralateral breast cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers in a large cohort of unselected Chinese breast cancer patients.

    Su L, Xu Y, Ouyang T, et al.

    International journal of cancer 2020; (146(12)):3335-3342 doi:10.1002/ijc.32918.

    PMID: 32037537

This information about HBOC and BRCA mutation cancer risks is for educational purposes only. Always consult a genetic counselor or oncologist to understand your personal risk and appropriate screening options.

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