ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

BRCA2

So, you know how our body has billions of tiny cells that work together to keep us alive and healthy? Well, inside every cell, there are these things called genes that are like the instruction manual for how the cell should grow and function.

One of these genes is called BRCA2 (pronounced "bracka-two"). BRCA2 is like a superhero gene that fights off bad guys called "cancer-causing agents." Sometimes, though, there can be changes or mutations in the BRCA2 gene that make it not work as well.

When this happens, it can increase someone's chance of getting certain types of cancer, like breast or ovarian cancer. This doesn't mean that the person will definitely get cancer, but just that they have a higher chance than someone without the mutation.

Doctors can do tests to see if someone has a BRCA2 mutation. If they do, there are different things they can do to help lower their risk of getting cancer, like getting screened more often or even having surgery to remove certain organs.

Overall, BRCA2 is an important gene that helps protect our bodies from cancer, but when it doesn't work properly, it can increase our risk.