BRCA Gene Mutations and Breast Cancer Risk: What You Should Know

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are working to understand the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and how mutations in these genes can increase the risk of some types of cancer. Actress Angelina Jolie had a preventive double mastectomy because she tested positive for BRCA1 mutations that might predispose her to breast cancer. In this video, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Laundette Jones, PhD, explains BRCA genes, what can happen when there are mutations, and under what circumstances you should consider genetic testing.