I got a blood test for the early detection of prostate cancer, in part because African-American males have a higher risk, in part because of a family history of the disease, and because I believe the prostate specific antigen (PSA) reduces the odds one will die of prostate cancer.

So today we turn to a recent study looking at the risk for men who have a family history of breast or prostate cancer. We already know that women with a family history of prostate cancer are at increased breast cancer risk. While prostate cancer is among the most heritable cancers, few studies have investigated its association with familial breast or prostate cancer.

The Study

Researcher conducted a prospective study of 37,002 U.S. men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. During 16-year follow-up to 2012, 4,208 total and 344 lethal cases were diagnosed. Here’s what they discovered:

The Findings

Those with familial breast cancer had a 21% greater risk of prostate cancer overall and a 34% greater risk of lethal disease. Family history of prostate cancer alone was associated with a 68% increased risk of total disease and a 72% increased risk of lethal disease. Men with a family history of both cancers were also at elevated risk.

My Thoughts

This study found that men with a family history of breast or prostate cancer had elevated prostate cancer risks, including risk of lethal disease. These findings have translational relevance for cancer risk prediction in men: Ask your doctor if you need screening for cancer.

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I received an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a medical degree from Yale, and completed a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. I have been blessed to be named a “top doctor” in Seattle Magazine, US News & World Report, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, 425 Magazine, and WA magazine. On multiple occasions, readers of the Kirkland Advertiser have voted me the top doctor (in any field) in the region. I help individuals with cancer at Evergreen Hospital, just outside Seattle. And now the small print: Any information provided herein is not to serve as a substitute for the good judgment of your valued health care provider. Thank you.

http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2018/08/04/1078-0432.CCR-18-0370?rss=1