Mother’s Day has a way of making us think about the women who came before us — our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. It’s also, quietly, one of the best times of year to think about what we may have inherited from them. Not just their strength or their recipes, but potentially their health history too.
For some women, a pattern of breast or ovarian cancer in the family is more than a coincidence. It may be a signal worth exploring — and your OB/GYN is the right place to start that conversation.
“Staff are very professional and have a relatively short wait time. Highly recommend Dr. Connor.”
Tidewater Physicians for Women Patient Review
What Are BRCA1 and BRCA2?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that, in their normal state, actually help suppress tumor growth. Everyone has these genes. The concern arises when a person inherits a harmful mutation — a change in the gene’s DNA sequence — that prevents it from functioning properly.
Women with a BRCA1 mutation have a significantly elevated lifetime risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared to the general population. BRCA2 mutations carry a similarly elevated risk, though with some differences in the types and timing of cancers involved. Harmful BRCA mutations also increase risk for certain other cancers, including pancreatic cancer and, in men, breast and prostate cancer.
It’s important to understand that BRCA mutations are relatively uncommon — they’re found in roughly 1 in 400 people in the general population, though that rate is higher in certain ancestry groups. Having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer does not automatically mean you carry a mutation. But it does mean the conversation is worth having.
Who Should Consider BRCA Testing?
Genetic testing isn’t recommended for everyone, but certain personal and family history factors suggest a higher likelihood of carrying a BRCA mutation. You may want to discuss testing with your provider if you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50; a family history of ovarian cancer at any age; a male relative diagnosed with breast cancer; multiple relatives on the same side of the family with breast or ovarian cancer; a personal history of breast cancer diagnosed at a young age or in both breasts; or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which carries a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations.
This is not an exhaustive list, and your provider will consider your full family history when evaluating whether testing is appropriate. The goal is never to cause anxiety — it’s to give you information that empowers you to make smart decisions about your screening and prevention.
What Does the Testing Process Look Like?
BRCA testing begins with a conversation — ideally with a genetic counselor or a provider trained in genetic risk assessment. Before testing is ordered, your provider will review your personal and family health history in detail to assess whether testing is likely to be informative and how to interpret results in your specific context.
The test itself is straightforward: a blood draw or saliva sample. Results typically take a few weeks. A negative result is reassuring but doesn’t eliminate all risk — other genetic variants and non-genetic factors still play a role in cancer risk. A positive result opens the door to a proactive management plan, which might include more frequent screening, risk-reducing medications, or preventive surgery, depending on your individual circumstances and preferences.
What Happens If You Test Positive?
A positive BRCA test result is not a diagnosis of cancer — it’s a signal to be proactive. Women with confirmed BRCA mutations have a range of evidence-based options to reduce their risk and catch any cancer that does develop at the earliest, most treatable stage.
Enhanced screening typically includes annual MRI and mammography beginning at a younger age than standard guidelines recommend. Risk-reducing medications, known as chemoprevention, are an option for some women. Risk-reducing surgery — including prophylactic mastectomy or removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes — is a more significant step that some women choose after careful consultation with their care team. There is no single right answer, and decisions are made collaboratively based on your values, your risk profile, and your family planning goals.
“Fast , friendly, and very knowledgeable . My first visit was a great experience.”
Tidewater Physicians for Women Patient Review
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer and have never spoken with a provider about your genetic risk, this month — when family is on your mind — is a meaningful time to bring it up. The team at Tidewater Physicians for Women can help you evaluate your risk, discuss whether testing makes sense for you, and connect you with the right resources. Call us at 757-461-3890 or schedule at our Virginia Beach or Norfolk location online.
