Breast cancer survivors who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations face a higher risk of developing certain new cancers, according to a recent study. Researchers analyzed health records to find out about the risk for second cancers after breast cancer.

The study found the risk of developing a second cancer within 10 years was 16 percent for BRCA1 carriers and 12 percent for BRCA2 carriers, compared to 3.6 percent for those without these mutations. The highest risk was for breast cancer later developing in the breast that was not previously affected by cancer.

Other second cancers for which people with BRCA mutations had a higher risk compared to those without the mutations included:

• Ovarian cancer (for those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations)
• Colorectal cancer (for those with BRCA1 mutation)
• Endometrial cancer (for those with BRCA1 mutation)
• Pancreatic cancer (for those with BRCA2 mutation)

Researchers suggest that people with BRCA mutations may benefit from more frequent screenings and preventive measures. If you or a loved one has a BRCA mutation, talk to a healthcare provider about long-term cancer prevention strategies.

Learn about what types of breast cancer have the highest rate of recurrence.

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