BRCA

noun

ˌbē-(ˌ)är-(ˌ)sē-ˈā 

ˈbra-kə

: either of two tumor suppressor genes that in mutated form tend to be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and especially breast and ovarian cancers

—often used before another noun

BRCA genes

a BRCA mutation

Examples of BRCA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hamilton noted that people who don't have the BRCA gene mutations (which increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer) should still be proactive about screening. —Sarah Scott, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Drugs have now been developed that treat cancers linked to the BRCA mutations. —Marc B. Garnick, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024

This was a cancer that was not detected from a BRCA gene test, it was not detected by a mammogram. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

There have been many occurrences of breast cancer in my family, and my mother had tested positive for the BRCA mutation. —Clea Shearer, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

BRCA

noun

ˌbē-(ˌ)är-(ˌ)sē-ˈā 

: either of two tumor suppressor genes that in mutated form tend to be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and especially breast and ovarian cancers

—often used before another noun

BRCA genes

a BRCA mutation