By John von Radowitz

Monday, September 24, 2012

Scientists conducting the largest study of male breast cancer have identified a gene that raises the risk of developing the disease by half.

Findings from the research suggest the causes of the disease may differ between women and men.

Male breast cancer is rare but can be just as lethal as its female counterpart.

It was already known that faulty BRCA2 genes are involved in around 10% of cases, a higher proportion than among women.

Changes in the RAD51B gene involved in the repair of damaged DNA also play a role, according to the research. They increase the risk of male breast cancer by up to 50%.

Dr Nick Orr, from the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said: "This study represents a leap forward in our understanding of male breast cancer.

"It shows that while there are similarities with female breast cancer, the causes of the disease can work differently in men. This raises the possibility of different ways to treat the disease specifically for men."

Dr Orr led the research reported yesterday in the journal Nature Genetics.

Continued here:
Gene found that increases risk of male breast cancer

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