Genetics & Cancer Risk

Men and hereditary Cancer

Two women sit at a table having a serious conversation about Jewish breast cancer support. One gestures with her hand while the other listens. Papers, a notebook, and a mug are on the table in front of them.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations impact both women AND men. Men with a BRCA mutation have an increased risk for prostate, pancreatic, melanoma and male breast cancer and can pass it along to their sons and daughters.

Why Genetic Screening Matters for Men

Know the Facts: 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. 1 in 833 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Average lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer is about 1 in 64. Lifetime risk for melanoma varies with skin color; those with fair skin have the highest risk 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews carries a BRCA gene mutation, as compared to 1 in 400 in the general population. Men and women can both be carriers of BRCA gene mutations, and are at increased risk for breast, male breast, melanoma, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Know your maternal and paternal family history; each parent has a 50% chance of passing a mutation on to the next generation. Multi-gene panel testing can identify mutations in other genes that increases risk for cancer, such as ATM, CHEK2, PALB2, and Lynch Syndrome.

ask Questions of your Provider

Ask Questions of your primary care physician or urologist Risk Factors: Female family members on my father's side have had breast and ovarian cancer. How might this affect me? What are my risk factors for prostate, breast, pancreatic, and melanoma cancers and what lifestyle changes could I make to reduce these risks? Are there any indicators in my own health history that suggest I am at higher risk? Is my heritage a risk factor for cancer? Genetics: Am I a candidate for genetic testing? Should I test for cancer-related genetic mutations if I have no family history? If I am found to carry a genetic mutation, what are my options? Where should I get genetic testing done? How do I find out if my insurance will cover it? Screening & Early Detection: At what age should I begin and how often should I be screened for cancer? Are there self-exams I can do at home? What are the signs & symptoms I should be aware of? Are there any preventative measures I can take to decrease my risk of cancer? Please consult your health care provider if you have any concerns about possible signs and symptoms.

Videos and Webinar Recordings

Support Resources

Caregivers
Male Breast Cancer
Speak With our Genetic Counselor
Answering Your Genetics Questions
Download Our Men’s Education Resource
Read Research Articles

With support from:

AstraZeneca logo with the company name in burgundy text and a stylized yellow symbol on the right.

Sharsheret does not endorse or promote any specific medication, treatment, product, or service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do men fit in?

We offer resources and tailored staff guidance to men who are supporting women touched by breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Men who are concerned about their own genetic risks may speak with Sharsheret’s genetic counselor and find genetics resources here. Men who are diagnosed with breast cancer may request Sharsheret’s resources, and we will help them connect to organizations that address the unique needs of men living with breast cancer. For more information on our Men’s Leadership Council click here.