September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn more about one of the most common cancers in men. Prostate cancer happens when cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably. It can be serious, but with early detection, many men are successfully treated. A big part of understanding prostate cancer is learning about genetics and how it affects risk.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland that individuals assigned male at birth have. It’s about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder. The prostate makes fluid that is part of semen, which carries sperm.
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate change and start to grow faster than they should. Over time, these cells can form a tumor and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. While there are many things that can increase the risk of prostate cancer, genetics is an important factor.
How Do Genes Affect Prostate Cancer Risk?
Some genes help control how cells grow and repair. When these genes change or mutate, it can lead to cancer. Mutations in certain genes can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Men who inherit these mutations from their parents are more likely to develop the disease. Here is an example of two genes linked to prostate cancer:
1. BRCA1 and BRCA2: You may have heard of these genes because they’re also linked to breast and ovarian cancer in women. Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a higher risk of prostate cancer, and the cancer may be more aggressive. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 can cause a 30-60% lifetime chance of developing prostate cancer.
2. HOXB13: This gene helps regulate cell growth. Some rare mutations in HOXB13 can increase prostate cancer risk, especially in men with a family history of the disease. The HOXB13 gene can cause an ~50% risk of developing prostate cancer.
Family History and Prostate Cancer
Having a family member with prostate cancer can raise a man’s risk. This is especially true if a father, brother, or other close male relative has had prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer have about twice the risk compared to those without.
Other Risk Factors
Genetics isn’t the only factor that plays a role. Other factors that can increase prostate cancer risk include:
– Age: Prostate cancer is most common in men over 50.
– Ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk.
– Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, and smoking habits can also affect risk.
Can Genetic Testing Help?
If you have a family history of prostate cancer, genetic testing can sometimes help you learn more about your risk. Testing looks for mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13. While testing won’t tell you if you will get prostate cancer, it can help you and your doctor decide on the best plan for screenings and lifestyle changes.
Screening and Early Detection
There are screening tests for prostate cancer, like the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which can help detect cancer early. Men at higher risk—such as those with a family history or genetic mutations—should talk to their doctors about starting screenings earlier.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Understanding genetics is an important step in prostate cancer awareness. By learning about family history and risk factors, men can take proactive steps for their health. Whether through screenings or lifestyle changes, knowing your risk can make a big difference.
If you have questions about your genetic risk for prostate cancer, please contact the team at Chicago Genetic Consultants with any questions!
