More and more studies show that men face risks of cancer from BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations that are most often associated with breast and ovarian cancers in women. According to a July 25 JAMA Oncology review article by experts at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington, newly developed national screening guidelines offer hope for identifying the cancer risk of BRCA mutations in men through genetic testing and tailored cancer screening. Not enough men are getting genetic testing to see if they carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variant that increases their cancer risk.
And the men who know they are carriers get tested for their daughters, but don't always know why it's important for their own health. Heather Cheng, MD, PhD, Study Lead Author and Director, Fred Hutch Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic The article reviews the most recent screening and treatment guidelines for men carrying an inherited damaging variant in two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 . The review includes updated recommendations for males with a family history of cancer and other risk factors that could help them, and their doctors understand cancer risks.
Men account for 50% of BRCA1 / 2 carriers and have an increased risk for prostate and other cancers; however current rate of testing for men is only one-tenth of the rate for women. The review refers to "males" as individuals assigned the male sex at birth and cites a study recommending that transgender women and gender neutral and gender fluid carri.