BRCA2 is a gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. However, a person who inherits an altered version of the BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.

While only 5 to 10 percent of all breast and ovarian cancers are caused by genetics, these rare cases typically result from inherited mutations in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

References

Pankow JS, Vachon CM, Kuni CC, et al.: Genetic analysis of mammographic breast density in adult women: evidence of a gene effect. J Natl Cancer Inst 89 (8): 549-56, 1997. National Cancer Institute Website, accessed 4/12/06, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/genetics/breast-and-ovarian/healthprofessional. Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah Website, accessed 4/12/06, http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/whataregd/brca/