Genetic mutations like BRCA can lead to more aggressive prostate cancer
What are BRCA gene mutations?
A genetic mutation is an alteration in a cell’s DNA. Mutations may be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect on a person’s health. Certain mutations can lead to cancer or other diseases.
Everyone has BRCA genes, but when they are mutated, they can cause problems. BRCA is commonly associated with breast cancer (including men) and ovarian cancer, but it is often overlooked when it comes to prostate cancer. BRCA mutations are also associated with pancreatic cancer and melanoma.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT BRCA MUTATIONS?
BRCA mutations are well documented in prostate cancer, but less than half of men with metastatic prostate cancer are tested for these mutations. About 10% of men with prostate cancer have a BRCA mutation.
Men with BRCA mutations may have more aggressive forms of prostate cancer that may not respond as well to traditional treatment options.
CAN BRCA MUTATIONS BE INHERITED?
Understanding your BRCA status is not only important for your own health but also for the health of your family. BRCA mutations can be hereditary (germline), meaning they can be passed down to your children. Men with a germline BRCA mutation have a 50% chance of passing the mutation on to their children, so testing for BRCA can help you and your children know more about your genes.
What determines prostate cancer risk?
Several factors contribute to a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer:
The chance of having prostate cancer rises after age 50.
Prostate cancer is more common and can lead to worse outcomes in Black men than other races and ethnicities. Black men are also underrepresented in prostate cancer clinical studies and are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease.
Mutations such as BRCA can be passed down between generations and increase risk of developing prostate cancer, as well as other cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and melanoma.
Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Family history of certain BRCA-associated cancers, including breast, ovarian, and pancreatic, may also increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Ashkenazi Jewish people are 10x more likely to carry BRCA mutations than the average person.
Talking to your doctor is the first step to getting BRCA tested
Genetic testing can be confusing, so here are some tips for talking to your doctor about it.
LEARN HOW TO GET TESTEDGET BRCA UPDATES
Learn more about genetic testing and treatment options for BRCA-positive prostate cancer.
