This is not so shocking, but actually is somewhat of a surprise that they have already found out this information so early in the research stages of a new field : Genetic testing.  We had posted a couple posts ago about how genetic testing has huge implications for breast cancer research, and for women who have family member who had breast cancer and may carry the gene that increase the risk exponentially.

Well, it turns out that not only can women harbor this gene that causes the increase in risk for breast cancer, but men can also carry the gene, and may want to be tested for it as well.  Researchers say that the particular gene defect they look for may determine a man’s likelihood of developing breast cancer (men can get it too), and it also may increase their odds of developing other types of cancers like prostate cancer.

In fact, the detection of the specific genes responsible for increasing breast cancer risk actually predicts almost double the chance for men to develop prostate and pancreatic cancer and possibly skin cancer as well, so they are encouraged to get tested, especially if women in the family have had breast cancer (this makes them more likely to have the gene). 

While the genes responsible for the increased risk are mostly common in women of European descent, they can also be detected in women of any national origin.  Don’t forget it is possible for men to get male breast cancer as well, but it is just not as common as it is in females.   

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Posted in Breast Cancer Prevention by Breast News Girl No Comments Yet