What are BRCA genes?BRCA stands for Breast Cancer gene. The two main genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone inherits these genes from their parents, and their normal role is to help protect the body from cancer.What do BRCA genes do?BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumour suppressor genes. They repair damaged DNA, help cells grow normally, and prevent damaged cells from becoming cancerous.What happens if there is a BRCA mutation?Some people inherit a harmful mutation (also called a pathogenic variant) in one of these genes. This reduces the gene's ability to repair DNA, allowing damage to build up over time. This increases the lifetime risk of several cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic and male breast cancer.

1st January 2018

As a cancer survivor myself, I understand how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can feel. When faced with uncertainty, many of us search for answers online, often coming across articles and social media posts claiming to reveal "hidden truths" about cancer.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down.

One of the phrases many people hear shortly after a cancer diagnosis is:

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. In the days and weeks that follow, it is completely normal to feel frightened, confused and unsure of what questions to ask. Many people leave appointments only to think of important questions later, which is why preparing in advance can be incredibly helpful.