Here are some next steps to consider after someone gets BRCA tested
YOU ARE NOT ALONE WITH THIS DIAGNOSIS.
1 out of every 4 adults with advanced prostate cancer has a genetic mutation in BRCA or other similar genes
About 1 in 10 adults with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has a BRCA mutation
Topics to consider when talking to your doctor
WILL A BRCA MUTATION AFFECT MY FAMILY?
To better understand your BRCA test results and what they mean for your treatment and your family, you should consider talking to a genetic counselor. If you test positive for a germline BRCA mutation, your family members may want to be tested too.
FIND A GENETIC COUNSELORWhat do BRCA mutations mean for my cancer treatment?
How does targeted therapy work?
Targeted therapy
- Targets certain molecules or genes required for cancer growth
- Allows survival of healthy cells
Chemotherapy
- Broadly targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes most cancer cells
- Can also kill healthy cells
There are types of treatment that can selectively kill cancer cells by targeting a certain molecule or gene; this is known as targeted therapy or precision medicine. Targeted therapies can differ in the way they work, but one thing they have in common is they typically change the way a cancer cell divides, repairs itself, or interacts with other cells.
Another goal of targeted therapy is to limit damage to healthy cells. Treatments like chemotherapy can harm both healthy and unhealthy cells.
Are there prostate cancer treatments for patients with BRCA mutations?
There are several treatments that were designed for your type of cancer. Because the BRCA gene helps with DNA repair, these treatments work to stop the body from repairing tumor cells.
Understanding whether you have a BRCA mutation can inform treatment options that are specific to your type of cancer.
Talk to your doctor about treatments designed for adults with BRCA-positive prostate cancer
DOWNLOAD DISCUSSION GUIDEAdditional resources to help you talk to your doctor
These tools can help guide important conversations with your doctor.
EXPLORE RESOURCES
GET BRCA UPDATES
Learn more about genetic testing and treatment options for BRCA-positive prostate cancer.
