Q: What is hereditary prostate cancer?
A: Hereditary prostate cancer is caused by changes in genes that are passed down in families. It usually occurs in several family members and often starts earlier than most prostate cancer (often before age 65).
Q: How do I know if I am at risk for hereditary prostate cancer?
A: Men who have several family members with prostate cancer and/or a family member who had prostate cancer at an early age may be at risk for hereditary prostate cancer.
Q: I do not know if I have blood family members with prostate cancer. What can I do?
A: Cancer is not easy to talk about. Knowing your family history is important. Talk to your father, uncles, grandfathers, and cousins about your family history.
Q: Do all men with prostate cancer have hereditary prostate cancer?
A: No, most (about 90%) prostate cancer is due to other causes.
Q: When genes are found which increase risk for prostate cancer, how will that help men like me, my sons, and grandsons?
A: We believe it will lead to better treatment and maybe even to prevention.