Pathogenic variants (disease-causing) in the BARD1 gene are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer. Some studies also suggest a possible link to ovarian cancer, though the evidence is less clear. Management of BARD1–related tumor risk includes regular surveillance tailored to guidelines to detect tumors early. BARD1 variants are not known to be more common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
Pathogenic variants in BARD1 exhibit autosomal dominant inheritance. This means there is a 50% chance the condition can be passed from generation-to-generation. First degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) have a 50% chance to have the same pathogenic variant whereas second degree relatives (grandparents, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews, half-siblings) have a 25% chance. More distant relatives have lower chances of having the same pathogenic variant when one is identified in the family.
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Written December 2025
