Fathers linked to ovarian cancer

Data from a large, long-term study of US families has found that fathers could be passing on a genetic mutation to their daughters that further adds to their inherited risk of ovarian cancer, new research suggests.

A study of about 10,000 families impacted by ovarian cancer found a genetic mutation passed down through the father’s X chromosome is entirely separate from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations which are passed on by both mother and father. This mutation was also found to be associated with higher rates of prostate cancer in fathers and sons. The researchers said the findings of the study published in journal PLOS could explain why some families have multiple members with the disease.

You can read more about the findings HERE.