BRCA+ Bros

If either of your parents have the gene mutation then Y-e-s! If there is a BRCA family history but your parents have not been tested, it is still worth seeking a referral to genetics if you would like to discuss this. If you have a personal history of BRCA associated cancer, and/or there is a strong family history of associated cancers, speak to your GP to see if you may be eligible for testing, or a referral to genetics. If you have not had cancer, and have a living relative with an associated cancer, generally they will want to test them first. On the NHS, there are criteria which must be met to qualify for BRCA testing. Talk to your GP initially for a referral.

Be vigilant! When it comes to the cancers us BRCA+ Bros are at risk of, there currently isn’t really any proper screening or preventative surgeries we can get to reduce our risk. This makes it so important that we know what our normal is, what our mutation means in terms of risk and what signs and symptoms to look for.  

Remember if you experience any of the symptoms discussed below, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. It is important that you go and get them checked by a medical professional to see what’s going on.  

It might seem strange that men can get breast cancer, but we can! We may not have boobs, but we do have breast tissue in our MANneries. This is not something to be ashamed of. 

For our BRCA1 guys, they have a 1-4% increased risk of male breast cancer by the age of 80 and for BRCA2 guys, they have a 5-10% increased risk by the age of 80. It might be rare, but it can happen so know your chest and pecs and know what to look out for. 

Symptoms 

A lump (as obvious as it is). A lump can occur in the chest up to the collarbone or armpit and it usually painless.  

Liquid or discharge that comes from your nipple without squeezing it. It might be blood-stained. 

Nipple Changes. Has it become tender or pulled in (inverted)?  

Sores  on your chest or nipple area. 

Swelling. This can be around your chest or under your arm which would be the lymph nodes.  

Skin changes which can be dimpling or puckering. Redness or flakiness can also be a skin change sign of male breast cancer.  

How to Check for Changes: 

Regular Breast Self-Examination: Familiarize yourself with how your chest normally looks and feels and regularly check for any changes.  

Visual Inspection: Look for any changes in the size, shape, or symmetry of your chest, or any changes to the nipples or surrounding skin.  

Palpation (Feeling): Gently feel your chest, including the nipple area, armpits, and chest wall, for any lumps or unusual areas.  

Consult a Doctor: If you notice any changes or have concerns, consult a doctor for a thorough examination and possible further tests. 

Prostate cancer is the main cancer that is linked with a mutation.  The risk of prostate cancer for BRCA1 is less conclusive,  but seems slightly elevated compared to the general population at 10% – 15% by age 85, but for BRCA2 men, their risk of prostate cancer increases massively from 20 – 60% by the age of 85.  

Prostate Cancer often grows slowly which means it may be a long time before some men notice any symptoms, if they ever experience symptoms at all! Even though signs and symptoms don’t always show up, it is important to know what they are so you can seek medical advice if you experience any of them. This is even more important in our BRCA Bros, as BRCA related PC is often more severe. 

Symptoms  

Difficulty peeing. This can range from feeling like you need to go but cant to leaking some pee.  

Issues in bed, specifically having trouble getting it up! But it could also be things just not feeling right or normal.  

Aches or pains. This would usually be in your hips, pelvis or bones. It can also appear to be swelling in the lower extremities such as legs and feet.  

Blood in your pee or in your semen. 

Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.   

Screening: Currently in the UK there is no national PC screening programme. For men with a family history you are eligible for a check after 50. However, if you have a BRCA mutation and your risk is higher you can seek screening at 40.  

How to Check for Prostate Cancer: 

Discuss Screening with Your Doctor: 

Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of prostate cancer.  

PSA Blood Test: 

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA in your blood, which can be elevated in some cases of prostate cancer, but can be misleading.  

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): 

A DRE is a physical exam where your doctor inserts a finger into your rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormalities (don’t threaten me with a good time).  

Biopsy: 

If a PSA test or DRE suggests prostate cancer, a biopsy may be recommended, where a small tissue sample is taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope.  

Imaging Tests: 

In some cases, imaging tests like MRI, CT, or PET scans may be used to assess the prostate and look for signs of cancer spread. 

If you want to check your prostate cancer risk, please use this handy tool courtesy of Prostate Cancer UK. 

This is a tricky one as the symptoms often appear only at advanced stages of the disease, and even when they do they can be fairly generic (such as nausea, abdominal pain).  

Having a genetic mutation can mean that there is a slightly higher than average risk of getting pancreatic cancer. This is more of a concern if there is a family history of pancreatic cancer. BRCA2 men have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer at 3-7% when the general population and BRCA1 men is at 2% by the age of 80. It is currently unclear if BRCA1 significantly increases this risk. 

 The current NICE guidelines suggest monitoring for pancreatic cancer if you have a BRCA, PALB2 or CDKN2A mutation and one of more of your first degree relatives (parent, brother, sister or child) have had pancreatic cancer 

Symptoms 

Indigestion can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer. This is particularly a painful or burning feeling in your upper tummy, throat or chest.  

Pain as a symptom would most likely start in the upper tummy and may spread around to the back as well. This pain is often worse when lying down or after eating. 

Poop changes can be a symptom. If your poop changes and becomes pale, oily and smelly or if you start having consistent diarrhoea or constipation it is worth seeking medical advice.  

Unexplained weight loss which basically means if you have lost weight without meaning to.  

Jaundice which can be noticed by yellow skin and eyes, dark pee, pale poop and itchy skin. If you think you have jaundice seek medical attention immediately as it is often a sign of serious underlying problems.  

Loosing your appetite. 

Recently diagnosed diabetes. 

Problems digesting your food which can be noticed through symptoms like bloating, increased wind, burping and feeling full up quickly.  

Feeling or being sick.  

Fatigue.  

How to Check: 

See Your Doctor: If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s important to see your doctor for a checkup.  

Physical Examination: Your doctor will likely examine your skin and eyes for signs of jaundice, feel your abdomen for any abnormalities, and listen to your chest and abdomen.  

Blood Tests: Blood tests can help assess liver function and check for certain tumor markers.  

Scans: Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans can help visualize the pancreas and surrounding areas.  

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): This procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and ultrasound probe to examine the digestive tract and pancreas.  

Biopsy: If a tumour is suspected, a biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue for examination) may be needed.  

ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a procedure that uses an endoscope to view the bile ducts and pancreas. 

BRCA and starting a family is a complex and potentially morally-charged issue. Regardless of which partner has the BRCA mutation, a naturally conceived child will have a 50% chance of inheriting it.

For those who are BRCA (or other gene) positive, this means that starting a family may come with greater considerations and consequences, especially for their daughters. Currently in the UK, BRCA positive parents are offered access to various family planning options which they may wish to explore.

These include IVF with Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis to prevent the faulty BRCA gene being inherited and prenatal testing where natural pregnancies are tested for the BRCA mutation, and the parents make an informed decision regarding continuing with the pregnancy.

It is worth noting that if you already have a child, IVF may not be offered on the NHS, but speak to your genetics team to find out what options you do have.

It can be incredibly distressing when someone you care about isn’t reaching out for medical advice — especially when you genuinely believe they need to. Men can be particularly reluctant to seek help, often due to fear, embarrassment, or simply not having enough information. This isn’t something they should feel ashamed of, but it is something we can help empower them to face. 

Having these conversations isn’t always easy. They can be emotional, triggering, and complex — especially when you’re trying to be supportive without pushing too hard. Here are some approaches that may help: 

• Remember, fear is often at the core. The person may be scared of what the appointment might reveal and could be avoiding it as a coping mechanism. Denial is a common response to fear, and it can show up as defensiveness or withdrawal. 

• Offer both emotional and practical support. Something as simple as offering to help book the appointment, go with them, or sit with them while they make the call can make a big difference. Knowing they’re not facing it alone may lower the emotional barrier. 

• Be patient. Change takes time, especially when it involves facing something frightening. Gently offering information or sharing resources — such as those available on our website — can help them better understand why it’s important to act sooner rather than later. 

• Keep your communication non-judgmental and open. Avoid blaming, pressuring, or using guilt — instead, focus on listening, validating their feelings, and giving them space to talk. Remind them that needing help doesn’t make them weak — it means they’re taking control of their health. 

• Respect their autonomy. Even if they choose not to act right away, it’s important to acknowledge their right to make their own decisions — and let them know you’ll be there if and when they’re ready. 

• Share your feelings with care. Let them know you’re worried because you love them. Explain that you understand how difficult this might be for them, but you’ll support them every step of the way. Sometimes, knowing they’re doing it for you too can be the motivation they need to take that first step. 

There are so many useful resources out there, but we have picked out a few of our favourites to get you started: 

BCN – Male Breast cancer  

https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/ 

https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/prostate-cancer 

Don’t forget to check out some of the amazing blogs written by our BRCA+ Bros on our blog page too!