What is the risk of ovarian cancer for individuals with BRCA1 mutations?

Individuals with BRCA1 mutations have a significantly elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to the general population. Research indicates that the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in women with a BRCA1 mutation can be as high as 40-50%. This high risk is due to the role that BRCA1 plays in DNA repair; mutations in this gene disrupt normal cellular functions and lead to an increased likelihood of cancerous changes, especially in breast and ovarian tissues.

As a result, women carrying these mutations are often advised to undergo enhanced screening and may consider prophylactic surgeries, such as bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, to reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer. This understanding highlights the importance of genetic counseling and risk assessment for individuals with known BRCA mutations.