Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, with roughly 250,000 men diagnosed each year. Risk of developing this cancer increases with age and it is more common in men over ages 60-65. It is significantly more common in African-American men who have almost a 10% lifetime risk of developing this cancer.

Genetic testing can help some family members of men with prostate cancer to assess their risk of developing this cancer.  If one's first degree relative has been diagnosed with this cancer at an early age, the individual can certainly be tested and counseled about the potential risks of developing prostate cancer.  Mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and HPC1 may be seen in some patients with inherited prostate cancer.  Our knowledge about the genetics of this disease is less than other common hereditary cancers.   Hopefully, in next few years, we will be able to have a large data base for this cancer as well.