Topic: Genetics

BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2) are genes that produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA. People who inherit a harmful change (mutation) in one of these genes have increased risks of several cancers – most notably breast and ovarian cancer, but also several other types of cancer.

BRAF (B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase) are genes that makes a protein involved in processes such as cell growth. Mutated (changed) forms of the BRAF protein can increase the growth and spread of cancer cells and have been found in many types of cancer, including melanoma.