Genetic Factors: Prostate Cancer Risks

In the center of each cell of the human body, our genetic material - chromosomes - are found. Normally, cells contain 46 chromosomes, or 23 pairs, half of which are inherited from our mother, half from our father. The chromosomes contain the body's blueprint, our genes. Genes code for traits such as eye color and blood type, and also control important regulatory functions in the body such as the rate of cell growth. Some genes, when altered or mutated, give a higher risk for uncontrolled cell growth, which, in turn, can lead to tumor development. These genes have various names, but overall are referred to as cancer susceptibility genes.

Approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of all prostate cancers are known to be attributed to an inherited DNA change, such as the cancer susceptibility gene. Recent research points to findings that suggest there is a set of common DNA variations that lead to a higher risk of inherited prostate cancer in African American men and less than half that percentage in Caucasian men.

Genetics of Prostate Cancer - Interventions in Familial Prostate Cancer.

This PDQ cancer information summary is provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for health professionals and provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about the genetics of prostate cancer. This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the Cancer Genetics Editorial Board.

The information provided by NCI on this topic may have changed since it was written. For the most current information, contact the National Cancer Institute via the Internet web site at http://cancer.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER. Last Updated: August 02, 2010.

If you have any questions or would like more information about how genetic factors affect the risk of developing prostate cancer, please contact Alice Kerber, MN, RN, AOCN, APNG, Genetics Nurse Coordinator, either by email at alice.kerber@emoryhealthcare.org or by calling (678) 843-7118. We're here to help.

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010.

Last Updated: March 23, 2010 (RSH)