scientists highlight Increased Prostate Cancer Risk for Men Carrying BRCA1/2 gene Mutations – The “Angelina Jolie Gene”
New research presented at the european Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress in Berlin indicates that men carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes - frequently enough referred to as the “Angelina Jolie gene” – face a significantly elevated risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer and should consider annual screening. The study, conducted across 65 centers in 20 countries with support from Cancer Research UK, underscores the importance of early detection in this high-risk population.
Researchers at the London-based Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) found that men with a BRCA1 mutation were over three times more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer compared to those without the mutation. Those carrying the BRCA2 mutation experienced a doubled risk, and the average age of diagnosis decreased from 65 to 60.
“The risk of aggressive prostate cancer is significantly higher in men carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations,” stated Professor Ros Eeles of Oncogenetics at the ICR, in comments to the Daily Mail. “Until more sensitive tests are developed, annual PSA screening for these groups may enable detection of the disease at an early and treatable stage.”
The study involved over 3,000 men undergoing annual PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests for five years. Results demonstrated the potential for targeted screening to improve early diagnosis rates. Data shows that 90% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage are still alive 10 years later, a figure that drops below 20% when the disease is detected later.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for DNA repair within cells. Mutations in these genes impair this process, increasing cancer risk. While well-known for increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women, these mutations also elevate the risk of prostate and pancreatic cancer in men.
The connection to actress Angelina Jolie stems from her proactive health decisions. Jolie’s mother and aunt both succumbed to ovarian cancer. In 2013, genetic testing revealed Jolie carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, increasing her lifetime risk of breast cancer to 87% and ovarian cancer to 50%. Following this revelation, Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy and later, the removal of her ovaries. She publicly shared her experience in a New York Times article titled “My Medical Choice.”
Professor Eeles is advocating for updated guidelines, calling for annual PSA testing to be offered to men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations starting at age 40.
