Shining Light on the Importance of Genetic Testing During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Paul has been compensated by AstraZeneca for his participation in this program

 

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and with one in eight men diagnosed in their lifetime, prostate cancer is a significant cancer, particularly for those with higher risk factors, including genetic susceptibility.1 This month we spotlight Paul, who has been living with prostate cancer for nearly two decades. A family history of cancer and genetic risk factors take center stage in his powerful story.

Family History and Genetic Risk

As an artist, teacher, author, animal lover, and devoted partner, Paul has always had many roles in life. But, despite his family history, there was one title Paul was not prepared for: cancer patient.

“I’ve lost close family members to cancer, so it’s always been on my mind,” he shares. “But I was still shocked to learn I had prostate cancer in 2007.”

Although Paul’s father didn’t have prostate cancer, men with a first-degree relative (father, brother or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer are two to three times more likely to develop the disease themselves. This risk increases if multiple family members are affected or if a relative was diagnosed at a younger age.2

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing plays a crucial role in understanding prostate cancer. It identifies gene mutations that may affect patients and their families and helps doctors tailor treatments.

Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are more commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancers, can also increase prostate cancer risk. Men with these mutations may have a two to five times higher chance of developing prostate cancer than the general population.2

With his mother and aunts having succumbed to breast cancer and his uncle to prostate cancer, Paul was understandably concerned about his own genetic makeup.

“Knowledge is power,” Paul says. “I realized having all the facts, including whether I had certain genetic mutations, would not only help me in making treatment decisions for myself but also could help my family in their health journey. That gave me purpose.”

There are two different types of genetic mutations in prostate cancer: inherited and acquired.3 While acquired mutations are not inherited from a parent but developed at some point during a person’s life, inherited gene changes are those passed down by parents and are estimated to account for approximately 10% of prostate cancer cases.2,3 Prostate cancer caused by an inherited gene mutation is defined as hereditary cancer.3

Germline testing, a type of genetic testing, looks for mutations passed down from parents, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and is performed with a simple blood or saliva test.4

For those with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), genetic testing can quickly and accurately determine if that patient has a germline or somatic mutation that would potentially make them a candidate for FDA-approved targeted therapies, like PARP inhibitors. Speaking to your doctor about your BRCA status is important, as these therapies may be an option for you.4

Importance of the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Paul emphasizes the importance of having a strong relationship with a healthcare provider. He opted for genetic testing based on his doctor’s recommendation and his confidence in her.

“I have been with my doctor for ten years and trust her implicitly. She is a clinician and a scientist, so of course I value her knowledge and judgment, but more than that, she always has my best interest at heart,” he says. “When she talked me through the benefits of genetic testing to make the best treatment decisions, I knew it was the right thing to do.”

An open dialogue between patients and doctors is crucial for making informed health decisions. For men, sharing their family history of prostate cancer with healthcare providers is essential. This information can significantly impact screening decisions, including when to start and how frequently to screen.2 Men with a family history of prostate cancer–especially those with multiple affected relatives or a relative diagnosed at a younger age–may need to begin screening earlier, around ages 40 to 45, and more frequently than the general population.2 This proactive approach can help in the early detection and better management of the disease.

This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Paul encourages men to get screened for prostate cancer and to understand their risk factors.

“Having gone through this journey for 17 years so far, I must stress the need to get screened. Know your history. Have all the facts,” he says. “Each day is a gift.”

To learn more about genetic risk, genetic testing and the BRCA gene, visit https://www.bebrcaware.com/.

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References

  1. ZERO Prostate Cancer. Prostate Cancer Facts and Statistics. Accessed September 2024. https://zerocancer.org/about-prostate-cancer/facts-statistics.
  2. ZERO Prostate Cancer. Prostate Cancer Risk Factors. Accessed September 2024. https://zerocancer.org/risk-factors.
  3. American Cancer Society. Gene Changes and Cancer. Accessed September 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/genes-and-cancer/gene-changes.html.
  4. ZERO Prostate Cancer. Genetic Testing and Prostate Cancer. Accessed September 2024. https://zerocancer.org/risk-factors/genetic-testing.