BRCA2 GENE

BRCA2 Gene — pathogenic variants confer 45-69% breast cancer, 11-18% ovarian cancer, and significantly elevated prostate and pancreatic cancer risk, with PARP inhibitors approved across all four cancer types.

Whole genome sequencing evaluates the complete BRCA2 gene — all 27 exons, intronic and structural variants — detecting the full spectrum of pathogenic variants for comprehensive cancer risk assessment.

BRCA2

About this condition

BRCA2 Gene — Comprehensive Testing

BRCA2 (chromosome 13q13.1) encodes a tumor suppressor essential for homologous recombination. Unlike BRCA1, BRCA2 has a broader cancer spectrum: breast cancer (45-69%), ovarian cancer (11-18%), prostate cancer (~20-30% lifetime, often aggressive), pancreatic cancer (3-10x risk), and male breast cancer (~6-8% lifetime — 80-100x general population risk). BRCA2-associated breast cancers are typically ER-positive (unlike BRCA1's TNBC predominance).

PARP inhibitors are FDA-approved for BRCA2-mutant breast, ovarian, pancreatic (olaparib maintenance), and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (olaparib, rucaparib). BRCA2 identification is particularly impactful for prostate cancer — olaparib is approved specifically for BRCA-mutant mCRPC, transforming outcomes in a disease with limited options after hormonal therapy failure.

RRSO is recommended at age 40-45 for BRCA2 (later than BRCA1's 35-40) due to later ovarian cancer onset. Enhanced prostate cancer screening (PSA from age 40) and pancreatic cancer screening (MRI/EUS from age 50 or 10 years before youngest family case) are recommended for male BRCA2 carriers.

Male breast cancer should always prompt BRCA2 testing — ~6-8% lifetime risk for BRCA2 carriers versus ~0.1% general population. BRCA2 is the most common genetic cause of male breast cancer.

Gene locus: BRCA2 (13q13.1)

BRCA2 affects 4 cancer types with FDA-approved PARP inhibitors for each. Plus prostate and pancreatic screening for male carriers. WGS captures all variant types comprehensively.

Olaparib transforms metastatic CRPC outcomes in BRCA2 carriers — germline testing identifies eligible prostate cancer patients

PROfound demonstrated olaparib significantly improved PFS and OS in BRCA-mutant mCRPC. NCCN recommends germline BRCA testing for all metastatic prostate cancer patients. Without testing, BRCA2 carriers receive standard therapies and miss the PARP inhibitor that could extend survival.

BRCA2 has broader cancer spectrum than BRCA1 — prostate, pancreatic, and male breast cancer screening requires BRCA2-specific protocols

While BRCA1 breast/ovarian risk is higher, BRCA2 has unique clinical implications: prostate cancer screening from age 40, pancreatic cancer screening (MRI/EUS), and male breast cancer awareness. RRSO timing differs (40-45 vs. 35-40). Gene-specific management requires knowing which BRCA gene is affected.

One test. A lifetime of answers.

One kit, sent to your home. Your entire genome sequenced at the clinical standard used for diagnostic decisions. 200+ physician-ready reports delivered to your Genome Manager in 6–8 weeks — permanent and updated as science advances.

From $449

Ships within 48 hours · Results in 6–8 weeks

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