Cancer risks among BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers

Abstract

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase breast and ovarian cancer risks substantially enough to warrant risk reduction surgery, despite variable risk estimates. Underlying this variability are methodological issues, and also complex genetic and nongenetic effects. Although many modifying factors are unidentified, known factors can already be incorporated in individualised risk prediction. © 2007 Cancer Research UK.