Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Ashkenazi Jewish Heritage

BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutations increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancers [33-39]. These gene mutations are more common in Ashkenazi Jews (Jewish people of Eastern European descent) than in other people [38-39].

Learn about BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations and cancer risks in women.

Learn about BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations and cancer risks in men.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations

BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2) are the most well-known genes linked to breast cancer risk.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutations can be passed to you from either parent [38-39]. These inherited gene mutations increase the risk of cancers in both women and men [38-39].

BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations are rare in the general population. In the U.S., about 1 in 400 to 1 in 800 people in the general population have a BRCA1/2 gene mutation [38].

However, the proportion of people with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation varies by ethnic group. Among Ashkenazi Jewish men and women, about 1 in 40 have a BRCA1/2 mutation [38].

Ashkenazi Jewish women and BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations

In the U.S. [38]:

• Among Ashkenazi Jewish women diagnosed with breast cancer (at any age), about 1 in 10 have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation
• Among women in the general population diagnosed with breast cancer (at any age), about 1 in 50 have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation

In the U.S. [38]:

• Among Ashkenazi Jewish women diagnosed with breast cancer (before age 40), about 1 in 3 have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation
• Among women in the general population diagnosed with breast cancer (before age 40), about 1 in 10 have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation

Ashkenazi Jewish men and BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations

In the U.S. [38]:

• Among Ashkenazi Jewish men diagnosed with breast cancer (at any age), about 1 in 5 have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation
• Among men in the general population diagnosed with breast cancer (at any age), about 1 in 20 have a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation

BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations and breast cancer risk

Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer [33-39].

The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is [39,644]:

• More than 60% for women with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation
• 13% for women in the general population

This means over a lifetime:

• In a group of 100 women with a BRCA1/2 gene mutation, more than 60 will get breast cancer
• In a group of 100 women without a BRCA1/2 gene mutation, about 13 will get breast cancer

These numbers are averages. The risk for any one woman with a BRCA1/2 gene mutation may fall outside this range.

A family history of breast cancer and certain other cancers is also linked to an increased risk of breast cancer [38].

Learn more about BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations and breast cancer risk in men.

Learn more about other inherited gene mutations and breast cancer risk in women.

Learn about testing for inherited gene mutations.

Learn about breast cancer screening and risk reduction options for women at higher risk.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Talking about family health history with your health care provider

It’s important to discuss your family history of breast cancer and other health conditions with your health care provider. This information helps your provider understand your risk of breast cancer.

My Family Health History Tool

My Family Health History tool is a web-based tool that makes it easy for you to record and organize your family health history. It can help you gather information that’s useful as you talk with your family members, doctor or genetic counselor.