Is Prostate Cancer Genetic?

Prostate cancer is highly heritable, accounting for up to 60% of prostate cancer caused by inherited factors. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles your risk of the disease, and that risk increases if you have multiple family members affected. 

But those are just some of the statistics. 

The genetic components of prostate cancer are complex, so in this blog, our experts at Golden Gate Urology in Berkeley, California, shed some light on the matter. 

Here’s what you should know about how your family tree can affect your chances of developing prostate cancer. 

Understanding the genetics of prostate cancer

The exact cause of prostate cancer largely remains a question mark for researchers, but we do know genetics play a role. 

Your genes comprise a chemical in your cells called DNA. You may know that genes dictate your physical appearance, but they also dictate when your cells grow, divide to make new cells, and repair mistakes in DNA.

When genes aren’t working properly, cells can grow out of control and form tumors. These changes can be inherited from a parent or acquired during your lifetime. 

Inherited gene changes are a significant factor in up to 10% of prostate cancers. Inherited mutations in a handful of genes already have been linked, with research ongoing to identify other mutations that may account for hereditary prostate cancer. 

Being proactive

If you’re at risk of prostate cancer, your first line of defense is a simple screening test. Depending on your needs and health status, we may recommend a digital rectal exam or prostate-specific antigen test to detect abnormalities. 

If you develop prostate cancer, we may use ultrasound, prostate biopsy, MRI fusion, and/or PET-CT scans to evaluate the aggressiveness of your prostate cancer and determine if it’s spread to other areas of your body. 

We can also predict the behavior of your prostate cancer, helping us create a more effective treatment plan. We also run tests to uncover any underlying genetic mutations. 

This information is essential; your medication depends on your mutation type. Knowing you have hereditary prostate cancer can also help you learn more about your risk of other cancers and alert your family members to their own risk. 

Treating prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is often treatable, especially when caught early. Our team includes a robotic prostatectomy specialist and radiation oncologist, which means you get the highest level of care right in our office. 

We work with you to create a safe and effective treatment plan, which may include any of the following:

• Active surveillance
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Cryosurgery
• Chemotherapy
• Robotic prostatectomy

Don’t let the threat of prostate cancer loom over you. Whether you’re in the dark about your risk or know that prostate cancer is a real possibility, we want to talk with you. 

Call our friendly staff at 510-255-0013 or schedule your consultation online today.