Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Mutations in which gene lead to an increased risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer?

1. BRCA2

2. PPARG

3. APC

4. hMSH1

The correct answer is: BRCA2

Mutations in the BRCA2 gene are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. The BRCA2 gene is a critical component of the body's ability to repair DNA breaks, particularly those that occur during the process of cell division. When mutations occur in this gene, it can lead to the accumulation of additional genetic errors that may result in the uncontrolled growth of cells, a hallmark of cancer. Individuals carrying harmful mutations in BRCA2 have an elevated risk, particularly for breast and ovarian cancers. Research has shown that women with BRCA2 mutations have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing these types of cancer compared to the general population. In addition to breast and ovarian cancer, mutations in BRCA2 can also increase the risk for other cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. The other genes mentioned, such as PPARG, APC, and hMSH1, are associated with different cancer types or biological functions, but they do not have the same established link to breast and ovarian cancer as BRCA2 does. Therefore, identifying BRCA2 mutations is critical for risk assessment, screening, and implementing preventive measures for individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers.