Final answer:
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes give rise to familial breast cancers by impairing the repair of DNA breaks. These mutations increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes give rise to familial breast cancers. These genes are involved in homologous recombination repair of double-stranded DNA breaks, and when mutated, they function poorly and DNA in the affected cells is not efficiently repaired. The mutations in these genes increase the risk of developing breast cancer.