11/20/2025
30 years ago today, researchers revealed the map to the BRCA1 gene — a breakthrough that changed the future of women’s health forever.
Before this discovery, there was no clear way to understand hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk. BRCA1 (and later BRCA2) opened the door to:
✨ Genetic testing that can identify up to 72% lifetime risk for breast cancer in BRCA1 carriers
✨ Earlier and more accurate screening, allowing cancers to be detected when they are most treatable
✨ Preventive options like prophylactic surgeries, medication, and enhanced surveillance
✨ Personalized treatment, including targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors that are especially effective for BRCA-related cancers
This one discovery has empowered millions of women to understand their cancer risk, take action sooner, and in many cases — save their own lives.