Men who lose Y chromosome have high risk of cancer
Genetic defect in blood cells also associated with shorter life span
![illustration of X and Y chromosomes](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ti_shutterstock_127889204.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
SMALL BUT MIGHTY The Y chromosome (blue in an illustration) is far smaller than the X chromosome (green) and contains few genes, but its loss may spell big trouble for men. Men whose blood cells have jettisoned the chromosome have a higher risk of cancer and may have shorter life spans.
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