New Guidance Highlights Link Between BRCA Mutations and Men’s Cancer Risk, Echoing Angelina Jolie‘s Proactive Approach
LONDON - New recommendations from the National Screening Committee (NSC) are set to expand BRCA genetic testing for men, a move experts say is a vital step in reducing prostate cancer deaths – and one that underscores the importance of awareness raised by figures like Angelina Jolie. While Jolie famously underwent preventative surgeries after discovering she carried a BRCA mutation linked to breast and ovarian cancer, the focus has historically been on women. This guidance shifts attention to men, who can also inherit these genes and face significantly increased cancer risks.
Currently, most men are unaware they carry BRCA mutations, typically onyl learning of their status if a female relative receives BRCA testing following a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis. The NHS already offers BRCA testing to individuals of Jewish ancestry, who have a six times higher likelihood of carrying BRCA gene faults. testing is also available via a GP referral for those with a strong family history of cancer, notably diagnoses at a young age, involving a simple saliva swab.
The NSC acknowledges the decision will “lead to more people being tested for BRCA” as male awareness grows. Professor Sir Mike Richards emphasized the importance of women diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer informing their male relatives if they test positive for a BRCA variant.
However,experts caution that increased demand for testing could overwhelm GPs. A BRCA variant carries a 1 in 2 chance of being passed on to children. Furthermore, some researchers, like Professor Ros Eeles of the Institute of Cancer Research in London, argue that the recommended testing frequency of every two years is insufficient, advocating for annual testing “to avoid the risk that an aggressive cancer could be allowed to grow unchecked for a whole year.”
Ben Lamb, a consultant surgeon at Barts Health and UCLH NHS Trusts, points out that men with BRCA mutations represent a small percentage of prostate cancer diagnoses and that many men don’t know their BRCA status. he warns the initial surge in testing may come from “the educated, worried and affluent well” rather than those most in need.
Professor Eeles stresses the success of the new screening program hinges on broader BRCA testing access, stating, “Unless BRCA testing is expanded, there are thousands of men who will miss out on this screening programme. The NHS needs to offer BRCA testing to more men, starting by offering testing to male relatives of BRCA carriers.”
