The prostate is a small gland that produces seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer can develop in this gland, and it is the most common cancer among men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). While some types of cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types can spread quickly. Early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes, as cancer confined to the prostate may be more easily treated. Here’s information on family history and other risk factors for prostate cancer:
Why Prostate Cancer Occurs
The exact causes of prostate cancer are not clear, but doctors know that cancer begins when cells in the prostate develop changes in their DNA. A cell’s DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. When cancer occurs, changes in DNA tell cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal. This leads to an accumulation of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells form a tumor that may spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing this disease. Age is a primary factor, as personal risk increases after age 50. Some studies show that lifestyle factors may increase risk for some men and AMAB individuals, such as obesity or a history of smoking. Race also plays a role; for reasons not yet determined, Black men carry a greater risk of prostate cancer than men of other races do.
How Family History Affects Your Risk
Having a blood relative with prostate cancer increases your likelihood of developing the condition. If your father or brother has had this cancer, your personal risk is significantly higher than average. Personal risk increases further when multiple family members are affected or if relatives were diagnosed at a young age. While many cancers occur in men without a family history of it, inherited gene changes seem to play a role in some cases.
Family History and Genetics
Inherited mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in some families, can also increase the risk of prostate cancer. AMAB people and men with Lynch syndrome, caused by inherited gene changes, also have an increased risk of this cancer. Understanding your genetic background allows you and your doctor to make informed decisions about screening and prevention strategies.
Cancer Evaluations
Deciding when to start screening is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a doctor. General guidelines suggest that those with an average risk of prostate cancer should begin discussing screening at age 50, but for those with a family history of the disease, you should start these conversations earlier. If you have more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age, you might even start discussions by age 40.
What Treatments Are Available
Treatment options for cancer depend on several factors, such as how fast the cancer is growing, how much it has spread, and your overall health. For low-risk cases, active surveillance may be recommended, which involves monitoring the cancer closely without immediate treatment. Some other treatments for this cancer include:
- Surgery to remove the prostate is a common option when cancer is confined to the gland alone.
- Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy to kill cancer cells and can be delivered externally or internally.
- Hormone therapy is often used to stop the body from producing the hormone testosterone, which cancer cells rely on to grow.
In more advanced cases, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be necessary to target cancer cells throughout the body.
Contact an Oncology Specialist Today
Understanding your personal risk factors is imperative to your overall health. Specialized oncology care teams can provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. If you have concerns about your prostate health, schedule a consultation with an oncology specialist to discuss your options.
