In some populations, as many as one in forty women, have certain alterations in their basic genetic code, commonly referred to as BRCA mutations. In the absence of risk reducing strategies, these women have as high as a ninety percent life time risk of developing breast cancer, and a forty percent life time risk of developing ovarian cancer. BRCA mutations are inherited, so this change in the gene
tic code may be passed from parents to children, putting future generations at risk. The Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation seeks to fulfill its mission by working in cooperation with university or hospital based programs in cancer genetics, oncology, surgery, gynecology and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
