Locations:
Search IconSearch

Breast Cancer Can Be Genetic: Here’s What To Know

Certain genes passed down from either side of your family can put you at a higher risk for breast cancer and related cancers

Female wearing bandana on head being embraced by family member

We're all born with a genetic makeup that determines certain aspects of who we are. The genes passed down from your biological parents (and their parents and their parents and so on) influence a lot about you. Your height. Your nose shape. Your hair color (though your stylist can do wonders for that).

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But the family connection doesn’t end there. Your genes can also make you more susceptible to certain health conditions, like cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease and even some cancers.

You may have heard that a higher risk for breast cancer can be inherited. And it’s true. If you have a family member (or multiple family members) who have or had breast cancer, it may be a signal that you may be at higher risk.

“We know that there are certain genetic mutations that run in families that can considerably raise your chances of breast cancer and other related cancers,” says breast oncologist Azka Ali, MD. “So, if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, your healthcare team should be asking about your family history and, in some cases, talk with you about genetic testing.”

Dr. Ali shares how breast cancer is inherited and what you need to know if breast cancer runs in your family.

What genes are associated with breast cancer?

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCA) has identified a number of genetic mutations that can increase your risk of not only breast cancer, but several other cancers as well.

“Some of the genes that most increase your risk of breast cancer also can be associated with a higher risk for other cancers that we know tend to run in packs with breast cancer,” Dr. Ali reports. “That includes ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.”

Advertisement

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the ones that most people associate with a genetic risk of breast cancer. They raise your risk for breast cancer significantly (up to 60%). They’re the most common genes that increase your breast cancer risk.

But there are others, too.

Which genes are associated with a higher risk for breast cancer, and how much do they affect your risk? Let’s take a look.

Gene
BRCA1
Breast cancer risk
More than 60%
Ovarian cancer risk
39% to 58%
Pancreatic cancer risk
Less than 5%
Prostate cancer risk
7% to 26%
BRCA2
Breast cancer risk
More than 60%
Ovarian cancer risk
13% to 29%
Pancreatic cancer risk
5% to 10%
Prostate cancer risk
19% to 61%
TP53
Breast cancer risk
More than 60%
Ovarian cancer risk
--
Pancreatic cancer risk
5%
Prostate cancer risk
--
PALB2
Breast cancer risk
41% to 60%
Ovarian cancer risk
3% to 5%
Pancreatic cancer risk
2% to 5%
Prostate cancer risk
--
CDH1
Breast cancer risk
41% to 60%
Ovarian cancer risk
--
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--
PTEN
Breast cancer risk
40% to 60%
Ovarian cancer risk
--
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--
STK11
Breast cancer risk
32% to 54%
Ovarian cancer risk
--
Pancreatic cancer risk
More than 15%
Prostate cancer risk
--
CHEK2
Breast cancer risk
20% to 40%
Ovarian cancer risk
--
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--
NF1
Breast cancer risk
20% to 40%
Ovarian cancer risk
--
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--
ATM
Breast cancer risk
20% to 30%
Ovarian cancer risk
2% to 3%
Pancreatic cancer risk
5% to 10%
Prostate cancer risk
--
RAD51C
Breast cancer risk
17% to 30%
Ovarian cancer risk
10% to 15%
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--
RAD51D
Breast cancer risk
17% to 30%
Ovarian cancer risk
10% to 20%
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--
BARD1
Breast cancer risk
17% to 30%
Ovarian cancer risk
--
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--
EPCAM
Breast cancer risk
Less than 15%
Ovarian cancer risk
8% to 38%
Pancreatic cancer risk
Less than 5% to 10%
Prostate cancer risk
--
MSH2
Breast cancer risk
Less than 15%
Ovarian cancer risk
8% to 38%
Pancreatic cancer risk
Less than 5% to 10%
Prostate cancer risk
--
MLH1
Breast cancer risk
Less than 15%
Ovarian cancer risk
4% to 20%
Pancreatic cancer risk
Less than 5% to 10%
Prostate cancer risk
--
MSH6
Breast cancer risk
Less than 15%
Ovarian cancer risk
Up to 13%
Pancreatic cancer risk
Less than 5% to 10%
Prostate cancer risk
--
PMS2
Breast cancer risk
Less than 15%
Ovarian cancer risk
1.3% to 3%
Pancreatic cancer risk
--
Prostate cancer risk
--

How is breast cancer inherited?

It’s common to wonder if an increased risk for breast cancer comes from your mother’s or father’s side of the family.

The answer: Both.

Genes that can raise your risk for breast cancer can be passed through the generations on either side of your family tree.

“When we look at family history, it can be telling if someone has multiple family members on one side of the family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or related cancers,” Dr. Ali shares. “It’s not about which side of the family, but, rather, how many family members are affected and the relationship between them.”

In other words, if your mom’s mom had breast cancer and so did your dad’s sister, that’s not strong evidence of a genetic link.

But if your mom’s mom had breast cancer and so did your mom’s sister, that could be an indication that there may be a genetic mutation that’s passing through your mom’s side of the family. The same is true if there are multiple breast cancers in your father’s family.

What are other causes of breast cancer?

People who have certain genes are more at risk for developing cancer. But breast cancer can affect anyone. Including people who don’t have a family history.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary.

But other factors can raise your risk for breast cancer, too, regardless of your family connections. That includes factors like:

  • Being older than 55.
  • Using tobacco.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Having obesity.
  • Being exposed to radiation.
  • Using hormone replacement therapy, particularly for long periods of time.

And breast cancers aren’t only found in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) can develop breast cancer as well. Breast cancer isn’t as common in people AMAB, but when they do get breast cancer, it’s more likely that they have genes associated with higher breast cancer risk.

Do you have an inherited breast cancer risk? 

Detecting cancer in its earliest stages makes a big difference. When caught early, breast cancer can be more easily treated and managed. That’s why most healthcare professionals recommend annual mammogram screenings for people AFAB beginning at age 40.

People who are at higher risk for developing cancer may be advised to undergo more rigorous screening and prevention measures, including starting regular mammograms at an earlier age or an estrogen blocker for the prevention of breast cancer.

Advertisement

Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned you may have an inherited risk for breast cancer. That includes things like:

  • You have three or more relatives on one side of your family who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or related cancers (such as cancers of the ovaries, pancreas or prostate).
  • You have a female family member who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger.
  • You have a male relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • You are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
  • You or a closely related family member has been identified as having a genetic risk for breast cancer.

“Ideally, when we suspect that a person with breast cancer may be positive for one of these genes, we would recommend that person for genetic testing so that their family can be made aware if they are at risk,” Dr. Ali clarifies.

“Early detection remains absolute key for breast cancer. The more you can understand your risk, the better chance we have to minimize that risk.”

Each year, about 240,000 females and 2,100 males are diagnosed with breast cancer. And more than 42,000 people die from it.

Dr. Ali urges people to get familiar with their family history, when possible. And get your proper screenings, so you can take charge of your health.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person talking with healthcare provider in office
December 9, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Where and How Stomach Cancer Spreads

Stomach cancer tends to spread to the lymphatic system and liver before moving to other areas

Person receiving cancer infusion therapy sitting in chair, head wrapped in scarf, gazing out window
December 6, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
What To Expect With Infusion Treatments for Gastric Cancer

Delivered through an IV, options can include chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, or a combination

Two grown sons, one on each side of mother, all holding hands
December 4, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Stomach Cancer: Is There an Inherited Risk?

A small percentage of gastric cancer is genetic

Steak on a plate, with fork and knife
November 1, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Does Red Meat Cause Cancer?

Eating red and processed meats can raise your risk of developing certain types of cancer

Hand holding fork, with scrambled eggs and red peppers on plate, with cucumber slices
September 25, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Cancer Patient Diet Tips and Recommendations

When you’re living with cancer, eating enough protein and a variety of colorful foods can help you keep up your strength and energy

Healthcare provider using technology, including AI
September 5, 2024/News & Innovation
How AI Is Being Used to Benefit Your Healthcare

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being integrated into chatbots, patient rooms, diagnostic testing, research studies and more — all to improve innovation, discovery and patient care

Female in hair wrap talking with healthcare provider in office
What To Expect With HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

HER2-low is less aggressive than HER2-positive and HER2-negative, but the new designation allows for targeted therapies that may be helpful

Female painting a still life of a vase and fruits on canvas and easel
Self-Care Is Important When You’re Living With HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer

Taking care of yourself extends beyond symptom management and includes things like passion projects and meaningful moments

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad