Men can carry BRCA1/2 mutations too, and they increase a man’s risk for developing prostate cancer, melanoma, pancreatic and testicular cancer — as well as breast cancer (though very rare in men).
It also impacts their daughters’ genetic outlook because fathers pass down the BRCA genetic mutation in the same way as mothers do.
How Tech Is Changing the Face of Genetics Counseling
Genetic counseling opens a world of proactive care and treatment. But depending on where you live, the scarcity of genetic counselors may make these services seem out of reach. Here’s how tech is changing that.
4 Health Questions You Need to Ask Your Family
Talking about diseases and poor health isn’t always easy. But asking a few simple questions — and taking notes for a family health history — start a conversation that leads to better health for everyone.
4 Surprising Facts About Your Genes and Diabetes
If you’ve heard of the old “nature versus nurture” debate, forget it. When it comes to diabetes, both your genes and your environment matter — and sugar isn’t the only culprit.
Busting Myths About Your Genes and Breast Cancer
How common is genetic breast cancer? Does family resemblance matter? Get the facts that answer these common questions about genetics and breast cancer.
How Your Fingers Can Predict Your Risk of Prostate Cancer
Can the length of a man’s fingers affect his lifetime risk of prostate cancer? Find out what the science says.
Can Your Body’s Bacteria Cause Cancer?
The microbiome — the genome of the bacteria that lives on and in your body — offers clues on why and how disease starts and spreads.
How Your Genes Affect Your Reaction to Drugs
Your doctor prescribes a medication. If you have a high risk of negative side effects, do you ask for something else instead? If you know the drug won’t work well for you, do you request more options? These questions aren’t just hypothetical. They’re at the heart of pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how your … Read More
What New Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Means for You
For the 1.5 million Americans living with rheumatoid arthritis, recent research is worth watching. Answers about the genetics of this autoimmune disease have been hard to come by. But by studying genetic variations, researchers in England have started to answer important questions: Can we predict the severity of rheumatoid arthritis? Can we predict how patients … Read More
BRCA1 and Ovarian Cancer: Why Women Choose Preventive Surgery
For a woman, the decision to have your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed does not come easily. But if you face an alarmingly high genetic risk of ovarian cancer, preventive surgery may be the right choice. Angelina Jolie’s surgery in March shined a national spotlight on this issue. She previously brought attention to preventive mastectomy … Read More