Which statement correctly describes genetic susceptibility in breast and ovarian cancers?

Which statement correctly describes genetic susceptibility in breast and ovarian cancers?

• A. BRCA1 is more significant than BRCA2
• B. The BRCA2 gene mutation increases susceptibility to both cancers
• C. Only males can carry BRCA mutations
• D. BRCA mutations are treatable

Answer: (B)

The statement that the BRCA2 gene mutation increases susceptibility to both breast and ovarian cancers is correct because BRCA2 plays a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. Individuals with mutations in the BRCA2 gene have a significantly increased risk of developing these types of cancers due to impaired DNA repair mechanisms, leading to genomic instability. This highlights the importance of BRCA2 in the context of hereditary cancers, as carriers of this mutation might benefit from enhanced screening or preventative measures. In contrast, while BRCA1 and BRCA2 are both significant in their roles, saying that BRCA1 is more significant than BRCA2 oversimplifies the complex nature of genetic predisposition in breast and ovarian cancers. The statement suggesting that only males can carry BRCA mutations is inaccurate, as both males and females can be carriers of BRCA mutations, impacting their cancer risk respectively. The assertion that BRCA mutations are treatable is misleading, as the mutations themselves cannot be treated; however, individuals with these mutations might be offered specific targeted therapies or risk-reduction strategies.

The statement that the BRCA2 gene mutation increases susceptibility to both breast and ovarian cancers is correct because BRCA2 plays a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. Individuals with mutations in the BRCA2 gene have a significantly increased risk of developing these types of cancers due to impaired DNA repair mechanisms, leading to genomic instability. This highlights the importance of BRCA2 in the context of hereditary cancers, as carriers of this mutation might benefit from enhanced screening or preventative measures.

In contrast, while BRCA1 and BRCA2 are both significant in their roles, saying that BRCA1 is more significant than BRCA2 oversimplifies the complex nature of genetic predisposition in breast and ovarian cancers. The statement suggesting that only males can carry BRCA mutations is inaccurate, as both males and females can be carriers of BRCA mutations, impacting their cancer risk respectively. The assertion that BRCA mutations are treatable is misleading, as the mutations themselves cannot be treated; however, individuals with these mutations might be offered specific targeted therapies or risk-reduction strategies.