Some further thoughts on this topic.
The BRCA mutation is often 'hidden' on the paternal side. Most women with the BRCA mutation often develop breast and/or ovarian cancer before the age of 65. Many have early onset disease <45 with many, many women having breast and/or ovarian cancer in their 30's with breast cancer at times in their 20's.
Men on the other hand may not develop cancer and die of something else.
I am 76 years old and as far as I know, at this moment, do not have cancer. Not too many BRCA+ women can make that statement. But the risks are there for me and I am doing surveillance.
Importantly the BRCA mutation does not skip generations.
e.g. 4 of my children tested BRCA- negative even though I have the mutation. None of their children can have the BRCA+ mutation I have. It is possible, but unlikely, that my wife could carry a BRCA mutation but she is 68 years old with no breast or ovarian cancer. And no profound family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Many studies have shown that BRCA+ women are at greater risk for getting ovarian cancer in their late 30's so it is important to speak to a gynecologic oncologist about doing surveillance if they suggest. The problem is that unlike mammograms and Breast MRIs there is still, as far as I know, no accurate test for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Most (80%) ovarian cancer is first diagnosed as Stage III/IV disease which is a problem.
with my love to all here,
Steve