Britain: A major investigation has revealed that an anonymous sperm donor, whose sperm carried a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of cancer , may have been the biological father of at least 197 children in several European countries. Some of these children have died, and very few of those who inherited the mutation will survive cancer in their lifetime.

Some families in Britain are also affected

Although this sperm was not sold directly to UK clinics, the BBC reported that some British families had used the same donor's sperm during fertility treatment in Denmark. All those families have been informed.

Donated sperm for 17 years

The European Sperm Bank in Denmark expressed sympathy for the affected families and acknowledged that the donor's sperm was overused in some countries. The donor is an anonymous man who began donating sperm in 2005 while still a student. His sperm was used for approximately 17 years.

Mutations not detected despite screening

The donor himself was healthy and had passed all medical screenings. However, some of his body cells had a dangerous mutation in the TP53 gene, which is important in preventing cancer. This mutation was found in 20% of his sperm.

90% cancer risk

Children born from such sperm have this mutation in every cell of their body. This is called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which carries a 90% risk of developing cancer—specifically, tumors in childhood and breast cancer later in life.

Cancer experts warn

Professor Claire Turnbull of the Institute of Cancer Research in London said, "This is a devastating diagnosis. Living with this risk for the rest of your life is incredibly difficult." Such children may need yearly full-body and brain MRIs, abdominal ultrasounds, and many women may even have breast removal surgery in the future.

Cancer spread to many children

According to data presented at the European Genetics Society, 23 of the 67 children initially identified had the mutation, and 10 were diagnosed with cancer. However, data suggests that at least 197 such children have been born.

Used by 67 fertility clinics in 14 countries

This cancer-containing sperm was sent to 14 countries and used by 67 clinics. Despite its direct use in the UK, some British women have already used it in Denmark. Cancer specialist doctors in all these countries are currently advising on how to choose your sperm donor wisely.

PC:Oneindia