Family history of prostate cancer
Overview
Family history of prostate cancer refers to having one or more blood relatives who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This genetic predisposition increases an individual's risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those without a family history of the disease.
Common Causes
A family history of prostate cancer increases your risk because the condition can be passed down through genes from parents to children. If your father, brother, or other close male relatives have had prostate cancer, you may have inherited genetic variations that make you more susceptible to developing the disease. This hereditary risk is especially significant if multiple family members were affected or if they were diagnosed at a younger age.
Severity Levels
If you have one close relative with prostate cancer, your risk is moderately increased and you should discuss earlier or more frequent screening with your doctor. Having multiple family members with prostate cancer or relatives diagnosed at a young age significantly raises your risk and may require specialized genetic counseling and aggressive screening protocols. The younger your relatives were when diagnosed and the more family members affected, the higher your personal risk becomes.
Medical Attention
Discuss your family history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have multiple relatives with prostate cancer or relatives diagnosed at a young age. Consider starting prostate cancer screening discussions earlier than typically recommended, usually around age 45-50 instead of 50-55. Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to develop a personalized screening plan based on your specific family history and risk factors.
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