BRCA stands for BReast CAncer gene. Everyone has BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes. They are important genes that stop the cells in our body from growing and dividing out of control. By doing this, the genes help to protect us from getting cancer. They are often referred to as tumour suppressor genes. Everyone has two copies of each of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes—one copy inherited from each parent.
Both men and women can inherit a fault in their BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes. A fault in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene means that the cells can grow out of control and this can lead to cancer developing.2
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