BRCA1 gene

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In physiology, BRCA1 gene (BRCA-1 gene) is "a tumor suppressor gene located on human chromosome 17 at locus 17q21. Mutations of this gene are associated with the formation of familial breast and ovarian cancer. It encodes a large, nuclear protein that is a component of DNA repair pathways."[1]

Women who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, especially if there is a familial history of breast cancer, may be candidates for prophylactic mastectomy. [2]

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