Programmes We Fund

In 2010 we introduced a second Men's Health Partner to Movember in the UK, with The Institute of Cancer Research’s Everyman Campaign. This new partnership will contribute to research into testicular cancer, and broaden our impact on Men’s Health.

Professor Alan Ashworth, CEO of the Institute of Cancer Research, told us what is being achieved with Movember funds:
“Money raised by Mo Bros and Mo Sistas is channeled directly into vital research projects at the ICR. This year we’ve been able to conduct studies which will help us understand the causes of testicular cancer. We would like to say a massive thank you to Movember. Your support will help us to make real advances in the fight against testicular cancer.”



Examples of Movember Funded Programmes

Programme: Research - Identification of Testicular Cancer Predisposition Genes
Professor Nazneen Rahman is leading a study at the ICR to identify genes that predispose men to testicular cancer.



Studies show that the risk of developing Testicular Germ Cell Tumour (TGCT) is increased by eight to tenfold if your brother has the disease and by four to six-fold if your father or son is affected. This is significantly higher than the relative familial risk for breast, colorectal or prostate cancer, which have a two-fold increased risk on that of the general population. Studies also demonstrate that this increased familial risk is primarily attributable to genetic rather than environmental factors.

Over the past few years, large-scale Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have discovered six genes that identify a small increased risk of developing TGCT, but it is highly likely that other genetic factors not identifiable by GWAS can cause testicular cancer.

New sequencing technologies now allow analysis of all genes (known as the ‘exome’) in one experiment. This study will use exomic analysis to identify new TGCT predisposition genes. Professor Rahman explains: “This technique has already proved successful in identifying a new gene that causes a childhood disorder, and it has huge potential to elucidate genetic causes of diseases including testicular cancer. We will undertake exomic analysis in 42 men from 14 families using the technical and analytical strategy we have developed and successfully utilised in previous studies.”

Any genes identified from the study will be further analysed using a sample of 1,000 TGCT cases compared with a control group to confirm and define any contribution of the gene to the development of testicular cancer.