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BRCA1 Gene

Meaning

The BRCA1 gene, or Breast Cancer gene 1, is a critical tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 17 that plays a vital role in maintaining genomic stability and DNA repair. When functioning correctly, the protein product of this gene helps to prevent uncontrolled cell growth, which is fundamental to cancer prevention. Specific pathogenic variants, or mutations, in the BRCA1 gene significantly elevate the lifetime risk for certain hormonally sensitive cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer. Understanding a patient’s BRCA1 status is crucial for proactive risk stratification and personalized clinical management within hormonal health.