What is hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC)?
HBOC syndrome is a type of inherited disorder that increases your riskTrusted Source for breast and ovarian cancers compared to someone without the syndrome. Your risk may also be especially higher before age 50Trusted Source.
Like other inherited cancersTrusted Source, HBOC refers to genetic mutations that are passed on from your parents. Having such genetic mutations from hereditary cancer syndromes doesn’t mean you’ll automatically develop cancer, but your risk is much higher.
Cancer itself develops when genes mutate. However, most casesTrusted Source are acquired, while HBOC and other family syndromes are inherited.
Who’s at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome?
While the exact statistics aren’t known, it’s estimated that 1 out of every 400 to 800 people may have HBOC syndrome.
HBOC syndrome is genetic. Most peopleTrusted Source with HBOC have inherited genetic mutations in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Both men and women can inheritTrusted Source HBOC syndrome.
However, it’s also possible to have HBOC syndrome without mutationsTrusted Source in these two genes. Researchers are still studying other possible gene mutations that could contribute to HBOC.
You may also be at a greater risk of HBOC if a close relativeTrusted Source, such as a parent or sibling, develops these types of cancer. Also, if a close relative has a BRCA mutation, there’s a 50 percentTrusted Source chance you have the same genetic mutation.
Additionally, BRCA gene mutations are more prevalentTrusted Source in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
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