Genetic risk of Prostate Cancer
Men with a single relative with prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, while those with two or more relatives are nearly four times as likely to be diagnosed. The risk is even higher if the affected family members were diagnosed at a younger than age 65. The risk related to family history demonstrates that genetic risk variants play a significant role in the risk of developing the disease. In fact, prostate cancer has been shown to have the strongest genetic component of all cancers. However, most prostate cancer appears to skip generations or patients may have no family history of prostate cancer. The deCODE ProstateCancer™ test measures much of the genetic risk for prostate cancer irrespective of family history.
In basic terms, carrying a high risk deCODE ProstateCancer™ genetic profile for prostate cancer does not mean that one will necessarily develop the disease; just as having a low risk profile based on the test does not eliminate the possibility of getting the disease. Rather, these genetic risk variants impact the likelihood that one may develop this common disease. A complete risk profile must in addition to the deCODE ProstateCancer™ include multiplies by other risk factors such as family history and ethnicity. Not all prostate cancer genes are known, so additional risk factors may be missing from the profile. The important message is that those who are at higher risk for prostate cancer for any or all of the above reasons, including significant risk by the deCODE ProstateCancer™ genetic profile, may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening tests for prostate cancer. The deCODE ProstateCancer™ test can only be ordered by qualified physicians and medical practitioners. If you are an individual interested in deCODE ProstateCancer™, you can sit down with your doctor and/or continue through this site.
By understanding inherited risk, it may be possible to take preventive action, through regular check-ups or certain treatments, to detect prostate cancer sooner and have an opportunity for early and successful intervention and treatment.