Epidemiology of breast cancer among BRCA mutation carriers: an overview

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been associated with an increased lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Many of the well-recognized risk factors and risk modifiers in other women appear to operate similarly in BRCA mutation carriers. However, current evidence suggests that BRCA-related breast cancer risk is positively associated with pregnancy and parity, while smoking may reduce the risk. The incidence of BRCA1-related breast cancer is high before the age of 35 years and oral contraceptive use for 5 or more years is associated with increased risk of this disease among women carrying BRCA1 mutations.