Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: annie123 on 24/01/2015 00:52:28
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I have heard that people with the BRCA gene are more likely to get breast and /or ovarian cancer. Since the testicles are really versions of ovaries on the outside of the body are they susceptible to this genetic predisposition?
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Men have some breast tissue, and I'm seeing a greater risk for developing breast cancer in men who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Of course, male carriers can also pass the gene onto female offspring who would be at greater risk of developing breast cancer.
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Yes, but I'm asking specifically about testicular cancer because one of my relatives has this and I would like to know if it could be influenced by the gene because I understand that Testes are the male equivalent of ovaries.
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The BRCA genes are involved in DNA repair, especially in rapidly-dividing cells.
Since DNA copying errors are involved in the origin of many cancers, it would not be surprising if other cancers were more likely amongst people with harmful BRCA mutations.
Studies have shown links between BRCA and cancers of the stomach, pancreas, prostate, colon, and some leukemias (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRCA_mutation#Other_cancers).
However, Wikipedia doesn't mention testicular cancer as having a particularly increased risk amongst people with BRCA mutations.
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Sorry to necro a post. But the answer to your question is yes, this is a germ cell cancer, and a single mutation in the DICER gene appears to be responsible. Since we are unable to post external links, for more information, try a web search for "Single Mutation Spurs Ovarian, Uterine and Testicular Cancer" which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, December 2011.