In the News: Family History and Prostate Cancer

In a recent study completed by the University of Utah, researchers learned that prostate cancer incidence among distant relatives on both sides of a man’s family can help predict the likelihood of developing the disease.

The group examined the genealogic and medical information of more than 7 million individuals to assess their risk of prostate cancer based on relatives as far back as third-degree. This effort demonstrated equal effectiveness as compared to a PSA test. The study noted that the results may help to further identify the best candidates for prostate cancer screening. To read more about the study, click here.

When assessing your risk of prostate cancer, physicians typically take a number of factors into account including your age, medical history and family history of the disease. This recent study suggests prostate cancer incidence, even among distant relatives, can serve as a key predictor of developing the disease and helping guide those who would most benefit from prostate cancer screening in deciding when to be screened.

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer, contact our center for more information about CyberKnife as a treatment option. Call us at 636-496-4660.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.