Which factor is associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome?

Which factor is associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome?

• A. Ancestry associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
• B. High BMI
• C. Non-smoker
• D. Vitamin C intake

Answer: (A)

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome is defined by inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Some ancestries have higher carrier frequencies because of founder mutations in these genes, so a person’s ancestral background can be a clue to HBOC risk. These BRCA mutations are typically passed in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a first-degree relative has a sizable chance of carrying the same mutation, which elevates lifetime risk for breast and ovarian cancers. That connection to specific ancestry is why this factor stands out as associated with HBOC. While factors like BMI, smoking status, or vitamin intake influence overall cancer risk, they do not specifically define HBOC.

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome is defined by inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Some ancestries have higher carrier frequencies because of founder mutations in these genes, so a person’s ancestral background can be a clue to HBOC risk. These BRCA mutations are typically passed in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a first-degree relative has a sizable chance of carrying the same mutation, which elevates lifetime risk for breast and ovarian cancers. That connection to specific ancestry is why this factor stands out as associated with HBOC.

While factors like BMI, smoking status, or vitamin intake influence overall cancer risk, they do not specifically define HBOC.