DiscoverGlobal News PodcastCancer-causing gene found in donor sperm across Europe
Cancer-causing gene found in donor sperm across Europe

Cancer-causing gene found in donor sperm across Europe

Update: 2025-12-10
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A sperm donor who unknowingly harboured a genetic mutation that dramatically raises the risk of cancer has fathered at least 197 children across Europe, a major investigation has revealed. Some children have already died and only a minority who inherit the mutation will escape cancer in their lifetimes. Denmark's European Sperm Bank, which sold the sperm, said families affected had their "deepest sympathy" and admitted the sperm was used to make too many babies in some countries.The sperm came from an anonymous man who was paid to donate as a student, starting in 2005.

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Cancer-causing gene found in donor sperm across Europe

Cancer-causing gene found in donor sperm across Europe

BBC World Service