If Your Brother Has Prostate Cancer You May be at Risk

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for men in the USA, and family history may provide clues to your cancer risk. A recent Swedish study found that men with a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer have twice the risk of the general population. 

The researchers also determined this risk not affected by severity of the relative’s cancer. This means being diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer was just as likely for men whose brothers had the mildest form of the illness.

Family History Predicts Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life.

Though most prostate cancer occurs in men without a family history of it, about 5 to 10% of cases are hereditary. Family history is the strongest risk factor for this cancer, which means there may be genetic causes.

The Swedish study looked at medical records of 52,000 men with diagnosed brothers and fathers. Compared to men with no family history of prostate cancer, the researchers found:

• Having a diagnosed father or brother increases a man’s risk by 2 to 5 times.
• The risk is higher for men with a brother diagnosed with cancer than those whose fathers were affected.
• Having several relatives with prostate cancer in their family further increases this risk.
• The younger the relative was diagnosed, the greater the risk.

Researchers also investigated the risk among male twins, full brothers, and half brothers. Results showed that the strongest link of cancer occurrence was between twins, followed by full brothers.

Managing Hereditary Cancer Risk

If you have a close relative previously diagnosed with prostate cancer, consult your doctor about scheduling frequent screenings.

Knowing your family’s medical history is an important part of prevention and any potential treatment for an illness. If your doctor suspects you are at risk, your relatives’ experience can help determine the best treatment options for you.

There are many factors that can contribute prostate cancer that cannot be controlled, including age and ethnicity. However, talk to your doctor about preventive steps that may help lower your risk.