BRCA gene mutations aren’t just connected to breast cancer, although it’s a common assumption — BRCA literally stands for BReast CAncer. The truth is that BRCA mutations increase the risk of several cancer types in both men and women.
The BRCA gene increases the risk of prostate cancer, which is the second most common type of cancer in men. “Knowing this connection can help you understand genetics's role in cancer and the steps you can take to protect yourself” says Aaron Chevinsky, M.D., Surgical Oncologist and Oncology Service Line Chief & Medical Director for Riverside Cancer Care Network.
Understanding the BRCA gene
BRCA genes (BReast CAncer genes) are genes that produce proteins that help repair DNA and prevent cells from becoming cancerous. When these genes work properly, they help keep breast, ovarian, and other cells from growing and dividing too quickly or in an uncontrolled way. BRCA 1 is located on Chromosome 17 and BRCA2 is located on Chromosome 13.
Like any gene, if BRCA genes go through a change, or mutation, they can actually increase the risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer.
BRCA mutations and prostate cancer risk
Your risk of developing prostate cancer with BRCA gene mutations depends on the mutation. According to the National Cancer Institute:
- Those with a BRCA1 mutation have a 7%–26% cancer risk by age 80
- Those with the BRCA2 mutation have a 19%–61% cancer risk by age 80
This risk can be compared to those who don’t have a BRCA mutation, who have about a 10.6% chance of getting prostate cancer by the same age. The BRCA mutation can also increase the aggressiveness of prostate cancer should it develop and lead to diagnosis at advanced stages of prostate cancer.
Not everyone with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will get cancer. However, knowing you have a harmful variant may help you take steps to lower your risk and protect your health.
Treating prostate cancer caused by BRCA mutations
If you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, you might also be recommended to get genetic testing to determine if you have a BRCA mutation, depending on your age and your family history of cancer. This can help your doctor make treatment decisions.
Treatment for BRCA-mutated prostate tumors might include surveillance and watchful waiting, surgery, radiation treatment, hormone treatment, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. In fact, PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy that targets a protein in cells that helps to repair damaged DNA, can be successful in treating prostate cancer caused by the BRCA mutation.
Who should consider genetic testing
The BRCA mutation is overall quite rare, affecting 0.2-0.3% of the population in the United States. To know if you should be tested, talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you or anyone in your family:
- Has a history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer
- Has a BRCA mutation
- Is of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent
- These factors increase the chances of you carrying a BRCA gene mutation
Genetic testing for BRCA mutations is usually done by testing a sample of your blood but can also be based on saliva or a cheek swab. A positive result means you have a BRCA mutation that can increase your chances of developing breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer. However, this does not mean you will get any of these cancers.
Knowing if you have the BRCA mutation can help you screen for prostate cancer at an earlier age, and can help institute treatment when the cancer is at an early stage where treatment can be more effective. It can also help others in your family understand their risk of cancer and determine if they should get testing as well.
Prostate cancer may not show any symptoms until it’s in more advanced stages, so it’s important to catch it early. Talk to your health care provider or schedule an appointment today to find out if you should get tested for the BRCA mutation.
