News | Families of Infertile Men Face Higher Cancer Risks
According to new research from the University of Utah's Huntsman Cancer Institute, risks of certain cancers are significantly higher in families affected by male infertility. The finding may open new paths for personalized cancer risk assessment and more effective prevention.
Background
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 9% of men of reproductive age have experienced fertility problems. Research indicates that these men face not only cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, early death, chronic health problems, and cancer, but may also pass these risks to family members.
Study Objective
Dr. Joemy Ramsay, a Huntsman Cancer Institute researcher and assistant professor of urology at the University of Utah, said: "We know that infertile men tend to have more health problems, and we wanted to explore whether their family members also face higher risks of these diseases." Dr. Ramsay has a public health background and focuses on occupational and environmental exposures. The study sought to identify associations between family members of infertile men and risks of diseases such as cancer.
Methods
Dr. Ramsay and her team used the Utah Population Database, one of the world's richest resources for genetic and public health information, to study the parents, siblings, children, and even aunts, uncles, and cousins of men diagnosed with infertility.
By examining multiple cancer types simultaneously, the team developed an algorithm that grouped similar risk factors and identified about 13 characteristic patterns. These patterns were based on family members sharing similar risks across multiple cancers rather than examining one cancer type at a time.
Dr. Ramsay explained: "Cancer and subfertility are both complex diseases and processes. This approach helps create similar family groups, making it easier to uncover the reasons some families are at high risk."
Findings
The findings in families affected by male infertility may prompt more conversations with doctors. Dr. Ramsay emphasized: "Although this association is not yet fully understood, it is very important to discuss these issues with family members and inform the healthcare team of any concerns."
The researchers believe further research is needed to continue establishing the association between male infertility and cancer risk. Understanding the reasons for these risks may ultimately lead to more personalized treatment, screening, and prevention.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to educating patients about cancer prevention and treatment. For more information on genetic testing, visit our Family Cancer Assessment Clinic.
Research Support
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI), including P30 CA042014, and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. It also received funding from the Inherited Cancer Syndrome Collaborative under the Cancer Moonshot initiative.
News | Families of Infertile Men Face Higher Cancer Risks
News | Families of Infertile Men Face Higher Cancer Risks
According to new research from the University of Utah's Huntsman Cancer Institute, risks of certain cancers are significantly higher in families affected by male infertility. The finding may open new paths for personalized cancer risk assessment and more effective prevention.
Background
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 9% of men of reproductive age have experienced fertility problems. Research indicates that these men face not only cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, early death, chronic health problems, and cancer, but may also pass these risks to family members.
Study Objective
Dr. Joemy Ramsay, a Huntsman Cancer Institute researcher and assistant professor of urology at the University of Utah, said: "We know that infertile men tend to have more health problems, and we wanted to explore whether their family members also face higher risks of these diseases." Dr. Ramsay has a public health background and focuses on occupational and environmental exposures. The study sought to identify associations between family members of infertile men and risks of diseases such as cancer.
Methods
Dr. Ramsay and her team used the Utah Population Database, one of the world's richest resources for genetic and public health information, to study the parents, siblings, children, and even aunts, uncles, and cousins of men diagnosed with infertility.
By examining multiple cancer types simultaneously, the team developed an algorithm that grouped similar risk factors and identified about 13 characteristic patterns. These patterns were based on family members sharing similar risks across multiple cancers rather than examining one cancer type at a time.
Dr. Ramsay explained: "Cancer and subfertility are both complex diseases and processes. This approach helps create similar family groups, making it easier to uncover the reasons some families are at high risk."
Findings
The findings in families affected by male infertility may prompt more conversations with doctors. Dr. Ramsay emphasized: "Although this association is not yet fully understood, it is very important to discuss these issues with family members and inform the healthcare team of any concerns."
The researchers believe further research is needed to continue establishing the association between male infertility and cancer risk. Understanding the reasons for these risks may ultimately lead to more personalized treatment, screening, and prevention.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to educating patients about cancer prevention and treatment. For more information on genetic testing, visit our Family Cancer Assessment Clinic.
Research Support
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI), including P30 CA042014, and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. It also received funding from the Inherited Cancer Syndrome Collaborative under the Cancer Moonshot initiative.
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