Businessman had an increased risk of cancer through the BRCA2 gene He entered a trial at Institute of Cancer Research as it ran in his family BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes are linked to an aggressive form of cancer Angeline Jolie had a double mastectomy after testing positive for BRAC1

By Sophie Borland

PUBLISHED: 19:21 EST, 19 May 2013 | UPDATED: 02:01 EST, 20 May 2013

A businessman has become the first man to have his prostate removed after discovering he was carrying a faulty gene that raises the risk of cancer.

The 53-year-old was told he had the rogue BRCA2 gene after taking part in a clinical trial at the Institute of Cancer Research in London.

Last week Angelina Jolie revealed that she had had a double mastectomy after discovering that the BRCA1 gene gave her an 87 per cent risk of developing breast cancer.

Scientists believe that other men who know they are carriers will choose to go down the same route (stock image)

Both the BRCA2 and BRCA1 genes have long been known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian forms of the disease but recent research has also linked them to the prostate.

The businessman, who has not been identified but is married with children and lives in London, has other family members who have suffered breast or prostate cancers.

See more here:
British businessman has his prostate removed over cancer risk from 'Jolie gene'

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