Men—This Breast Cancer Gene Could Kill You, Too

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 7, 2022

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

If you’re a woman, chances are you have heard about the BRCA gene (BReast CAncer gene).

Scientists have known for a long time that a mutation in one of two breast cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, increases the risk of getting breast cancer.

But, men, listen up – just because a group of scientists decided to name a gene “breast cancer gene,” doesn’t mean that’s the only thing that gene affects.

It could affect you too.

A new study found that men who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations are at higher risk of these two diseases.

A BRCA test is now fairly common for women, especially if they have a history of breast cancer in the family.

But now men may want to get checked too.

A new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that men carrying the BRCA2 mutation could be at a higher risk of prostate or pancreatic cancer.

The researcher team investigated data from almost 3,200 families with one or more members who had the BRCA1 mutation and almost 2,200 families carrying the BRCA2 mutation.

They found that men who carry the BRCA2 mutation have a 27 percent increased risk of getting prostate cancer by the time they’re 80 years old. For reference, that’s double the risk compared to men who don’t have the mutation.

The BRCA1 mutation was not associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in men, thankfully.

But having either BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer by the age of 80. The good news is that pancreatic cancer is rare, the increased risk is only around 3 percent.

So, what can you do with this information?

If you have a mother or aunt who had breast cancer, it’s probably worth asking your doctor for a test.

Other than that, keep on working on your overall health. This means eating enough fiber, vegetables, and lean proteins, and making sure you get some exercise each day.

You can also keep your immune system strong with medical mushrooms, as well as a natural anti-inflammatory like curcumin.

P.S. Another way to keep your cancer risk low is to make sure you avoid these two cancer-causing medications. Click here for everything you need to know.

SOURCE:

“BRCA Mutations More Strongly Tied to Prostate and Pancreatic Cancer.” 1/27/2022. https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/oncology/brca-mutations-more-strongly-tied-to-prostate-and-pancreatic-cancer/

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND