Prostate cancer varies widely in behavior. In early stages, it's often highly curable. Some cases grow slowly and may never cause health issues, while others are aggressive and can spread (metastasize) to bones and organs, becoming life-threatening.
What Is the Role of Family History in Prostate Cancer?
Research shows that genetics play a significant role. About 5–10% of prostate cancers are due to inherited genetic mutations. In 12–20% of families with multiple cases, cancer-causing genes are passed down.
Your risk increases 2–3 times if a close relative (father, brother, or son) had prostate cancer. Risk rises further with more affected family members, especially those with prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer.
Relatives of men diagnosed before age 65 have a higher risk than those with later-onset cases. Brothers of men diagnosed under 65 are at particularly high risk.
Which Genetic Mutations Are Linked to Prostate Cancer?
Recent research links aggressive prostate cancers to inherited mutations in genes such as:
- BRCA2 (strongest link)
- BRCA1
- ATM
- CHEK2
Men with these mutations tend to develop more aggressive cancers compared to those without them.
About 1 in 10 men in the U.S. with hormone-resistant metastatic prostate cancer test positive for one of these inherited mutations.
Why Should You Consider Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is increasingly recognized as a vital tool for:
- Identifying inherited risk
- Guiding screening intensity
- Informing treatment decisions
- Assessing risk for other cancers (e.g., breast, pancreatic)
- Helping family members understand their own risk
Who Should Get Tested?
Testing is recommended for men with:
- Metastatic or high-risk localized prostate cancer
- Strong family history of prostate, breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer
- Personal history of another BRCA-related cancer
- A known family mutation
How Does It Impact Treatment?
Yes — results can directly influence therapy:
- Men with BRCA or similar mutations may be offered more aggressive treatment earlier.
- They may qualify for targeted therapies (e.g., PARP inhibitors) and clinical trials designed for mutation carriers.
- Genomic testing in early-stage cancer helps stratify risk and guide decisions between active surveillance and immediate treatment.
Prostate cancer is treatable, especially when caught early. Genetic testing empowers patients and families with knowledge to make proactive, personalized health decisions.