BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help repair DNA and keep cells healthy. When these genes work normally, they fix damage in the body. If a harmful BRCA change, called a mutation or variant, is present, DNA damage can build up over time and increase cancer risk. These changes can be inherited and may run in families. BRCA changes are linked to a higher risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. A BRCA result can help guide screening, family counseling, and sometimes treatment choices. BRCA2 may be especially important in some men with prostate cancer.
Infographic: What is BRCA? BRCA genes help repair DNA and changes can raise cancer risk.