BRCA Gene and Skin Cancer

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Completing the shield of protection: what BRCA carriers must know about their skin

Awareness of the BRCA gene saves lives in the field of breast and ovarian cancer. At our specialist center, we make sure you are protected in the area many people forget – your skin.

Knowledge is power (not fear)

If you have reached this page, you are probably someone who takes responsibility for their health. You know that being a BRCA carrier requires routine follow-up, and you keep to it. But studies from recent years point to another link that is important to know about: BRCA carriers (especially BRCA2) are at increased risk of developing melanoma.

The good news? Unlike internal organs, the skin is very easy to examine, and early detection is simple, fast and usually leads to a complete cure.

Why does this happen?

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for repairing damage to our DNA. When there is a mutation in these genes, the body sometimes has difficulty repairing certain damage, which may expose cells to changes. While the link to breast and ovarian cancer is widely discussed, the link to melanoma is less known to the general public, but well known in the medical world. Studies show that BRCA2 carriers are at a much higher risk than the general population of developing melanoma.

Who is this page for?

Women and men found positive for a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2.
People with a family history of pancreatic, breast, ovarian or skin cancer.
Anyone who wants to close the circle and make sure they are protected from every direction.

Our solution: risk-adapted screening

At our specialist center, we are not content with a regular examination. For patients at genetic risk, we offer a closer follow-up protocol:

Digital mole mapping (Total Body Photography): Because carriers have a biological risk, we do not rely on memory alone. We photograph the entire body and an intelligent system compares one examination with the next to identify subtle changes.
Advanced dermoscopy: An examination of the depth of the upper layers of the skin.
Personal guidance: We will teach you how to carry out effective self-monitoring at home, without falling into unnecessary anxiety.

You are in control

“Knowing that you are a carrier is not a ‘death sentence’, but a warning sign that lets you beat the statistics. An annual skin examination is a simple, non-invasive action that completes your ‘suit of protection’ and lets you continue your daily life with peace of mind.”

Do not leave room for doubt. Book a screening examination adapted for BRCA carriers with the center’s experts

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Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers about the service

At our center you will find a team of experts: an experienced medical team focused on the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and skin cancer, alongside a service team that handles all the administrative side

What increased risk do current studies indicate for BRCA carriers, especially BRCA2 carriers, with regard to the skin?

BRCA carriers (especially BRCA2) are at increased risk of developing melanoma.

What is the scientific reason for the link between a mutation in the BRCA genes and the risk of melanoma?

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for repairing DNA damage. A mutation in these genes means that the body sometimes has difficulty repairing certain damage, which may expose cells to changes.

What specific measures does the risk-adapted screening protocol offered to BRCA carriers include?

The close follow-up protocol includes three main components:

Digital mole mapping (Total Body Photography): Photographing the whole body and a computerized comparison between examinations to identify subtle changes.
Advanced dermoscopy: An examination of the depth of the upper layers of the skin.
Personal guidance: Learning to carry out effective self-monitoring at home.