Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center

Comprehensive BRCA Program for Men and Women

Men and women who carry genes that increase the risk of breast cancer want state-of-the-art, compassionate care. Our experts offer just that at The Mount Sinai Health System’s Comprehensive BRCA Program. Learning that you have a genetic mutation that increases your risk of cancer can be overwhelming. We provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs and those of your family. Genetic testing can be coordinated for patients who have not had prior testing.

Genes and Cancer 

Cancer starts when certain cells in the body grow out of control and the body’s normal regulatory mechanisms are not working properly. All cancers develop as a result of mutations or changes in your cells’ genes. But most of these changes are not passed on through the family. Only about 5 percent to 10 percent of cancers are caused by hereditary mutations—genetic mutations that can be passed on through generations.

About the BRCA Genes

The normal role of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is to help protect our bodies from cancer. We all inherit two copies of each gene, one from each parent. If you inherit a non-working copy of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, you are at an increased lifetime risk for certain cancers as compared to the average person. However, this does not mean that you will definitely develop cancer.

Inheritance

If one parent has a BRCA mutation, each of their children has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the same mutation, and a 50 percent chance of not inheriting it. This is true for each child the parents have. 

What is my Risk?

Take the BRCA Risk Evaluator survey today:

BRCA Risk Evaluator

Next Steps

For more information on genetic testing and counseling and to make an appointment with a specialist, visit our Cancer Genetic Counseling Program here.

If you have already undergone genetic testing and have been found to carry a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and are interested in a comprehensive plan for screening and treatment, request a personalized Mount Sinai Comprehensive BRCA Program appointment here.