Whilst they have distinct functional roles in DNA repair processes, variants of both BRCA1 and BRCA2 that result in abrogated function of the encoded proteins confer a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer between the ages of 20–40 years, often before women have completed childbearing.10, 11, 12 Current international guidelines recommend that BRCA1/2 mutation carriers undergo bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) to decrease cancer risk before the average age of natural menopause (51 years).13 The gene discussed is BRCA1; the disease is cancer.