New research shows that men can carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that increase their risk of several cancers, but new national guidelines are helping to educate patients.
Newly developed guidelines offer hope for identifying the cancer risk of BRCA mutations in men through genetic testing and tailored cancer screening, according to an article published in JAMA Oncology.
Identification of genetic risks can lead to tailored screening, finding cancers earlier and thus improve their chances for better cancer treatment outcomes. Male carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations are at higher risk of prostate, pancreatic, breast and other cancers over the course of their lifetimes.