Genetic Mutation Increases the Risk of Cancer in Men

A genetic mutation linked with a greater risk of breast and ovarian cancers also significantly increases the danger of some cancers in men. The mutation in the BRCA2 gene, which is associated with an increased risk in women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer also raises the risk of pancreatic and prostate cancers in men, research published in the Journal of Medical Genetics found. The mutation may also increase the risk of bone and throat cancers, the researchers from Leiden University said. Almost all of the raised risks were only significant in men and they were stronger in people under the age of 65.