What are the similarities and differences between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?
A. When working properly, both BRCA genes help to keep our bodies healthy by repairing cellular damage that accumulates throughout life from many different influences. Mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 can be passed from parent to child and can cause cancer to run in families. As research unfolds, we are learning more about these two genes, how they affect cancer risk, the types of cancer they cause, and how effective treatment and prevention may be for each.