Final answer:
Individuals with malfunctioning BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have an elevated risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Genetic testing can identify these mutations, helping to guide future medical care such as increased cancer screening frequency. Despite the increased risk, not everyone with these mutations will necessarily develop cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals carrying malfunctioning BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have a greater risk of developing certain types of cancers. Specifically, these mutations increase the risk for breast and ovarian cancer in women. It is important to note that while these genetic mutations significantly increase risk, they do not guarantee that a person will develop cancer, as environmental factors also play a role.
Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 can provide crucial information regarding a person's inherited risk factors, allowing for proactive health measures, such as more frequent cancer screenings. Although not everyone with these mutations will develop cancer, statistics show a notable increase in the likelihood compared to the general population. For example, women with harmful BRCA1 mutations have a 55 to 65% risk of getting breast cancer by age 70, compared to 12% for the general population.
Furthermore, the inherited risk factors associated with these genes can lead to other cancers, such as pancreatic and prostate cancer. When the BRCA proteins are mutated, their function in DNA repair is compromised, contributing to the increased chance of developing these cancers.