: 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 The diagnosis came as a shock to the actress because her annual mammogram just three months prior had come back clear, and Munn had recently tested negative for the BRCA cancer gene. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024 This finding led to the discovery that BRCA mutations appeared in both men and women in these families. Marc B. Garnick, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024 Get informed about genetic testing for breast cancer and get tested for the BRCA (breast cancer gene) and other gene mutations that carry a higher risk for breast cancer. Clare Dougherty, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2024 Three months prior, the actress, 43, had a clear mammogram and had recently tested negative for the BRCA gene. Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024 Plenty of existing companies, like 23andMe, already screen for BRCA variants. Jason Kehe, WIRED, 10 Apr. 2024 Miller was keen to convey to viewers that the BRCA gene isn’t restricted to women, and that men should also be genetically tested for the BRCA gene and possible mutations. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2023 Such testing could reveal additional genetic factors, other than BRCA, that might be contributing to a higher risk of breast cancer. TIME, 14 Mar. 2024 On Wednesday, Olivia Munn revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy last year, just two months after testing negative for the BRCA gene. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'BRCA.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of BRCA was in 1992

Dictionary Entries Near BRCA

Cite this Entry

“BRCA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BRCA. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Medical Definition

: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!