Prostate cancer can be scary. Though prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer among American men, it’s also the most challenging to treat. This is because prostate cancer usually isn’t diagnosed until it’s so advanced that treatment is either virtually ineffective or it is completely impossible. For this reason, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. The odds of developing prostate cancer is about a one-in-nine chance. However, if prostate cancer runs in your family – particularly if your dad had it – then you are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
How Likely Am I to Get Prostate Cancer if My Dad Had It?
If your father had prostate cancer, it is normal to feel concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer. To find out how likely it is that you will develop prostate cancer, keep reading.
Familial History and Your Genetics
Men who are in overall good health, who are not exposed to toxic substances, and who do not hail from a demographic that is more prone to developing prostate cancer are less likely to develop this disease. That said, however, there are key variables that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. For example, your familial history and genetics.
Genetic Variables
In particular, there are two genetic variables that can increase your risk of prostate cancer. The first genetic variable concerns your first-degree relatives, which includes your parents, siblings, and children. If you have a father, a brother, or a son who has been diagnosed with cancer in the prostate gland, your risks of developing the disease are two to three times greater than someone who does not have a first-degree relative with the disease.
It doesn’t stop there, however. The risk of developing prostate increases the more family members you have with prostate cancer. To illustrate, if three generations in a row of your family members have a history of prostate cancer – on either your paternal or your maternal side – your risk of developing the disease is far higher. In this case, you have likely inherited a genetic disposition for this type of cancer.
Hereditary Prostate Cancer
The second variable that will increase your risk of developing prostate cancer is your family history. If someone in your family has been diagnosed with the disease, as well as other forms of cancer including pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, blood cancer, breast, and ovarian cancer, etc., you are more at risk of developing the condition, too.
Though a linear connection may not be readily apparent in your family tree, it can be assumed that the broader the gene pool increases, so do the odds of a cancer diagnosis.
Become Knowledgeable About Prostate Cancer to Prevent the Risk
Though the above-mentioned information may seem bleak, it by no means suggests that you are destined to develop prostate cancer. There is a lot of room for hope. Through gene testing, every day, researchers, medical professionals, and scientists are discovering more and more about the specific genes and chromosome regions associated with prostate cancer.
Additionally, the tests that assess genomic biomarkers to detect the risks of individuals developing prostate cancer are greater, as well. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, genomic testing can be a real lifesaver.
In addition to genomic biomarker testing, numerous methods have been discovered that can strengthen the immune system, improve the function of the cells, and boost the way in which the information lines within the body will react. These methods include lifestyle changes, such as
- improving your diet,
- taking certain supplements,
- exercising,
- and incorporating medication and stress management into your daily routine.
As research continues, more and more methods are sure to be revealed that will further reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in individuals whose dad has been diagnosed with the disease.
Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Prevention
Regular Screening
Men with a family history of prostate cancer should start discussing screening options with their healthcare provider earlier than those without such history. Screening typically involves a combination of a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The frequency of screening and the age to commence may vary based on individual risk factors and guidelines from healthcare organizations.
Know Your Risk
Understanding your family's medical history is essential. Be aware of any instances of prostate cancer among close relatives and share this information with your doctor. This allows for personalized risk assessment and informed decision-making regarding screening and prevention strategies.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
While genetics influence prostate cancer risk, lifestyle factors are modifiable. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limit red and processed meat intake, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking.
Stay Informed
Stay updated on the latest research and recommendations regarding prostate cancer screening and prevention. Healthcare guidelines may evolve based on emerging evidence, so it's essential to have ongoing discussions with your healthcare provider.
Early Intervention
If prostate cancer is detected, early intervention offers the best chance for successful treatment and improved outcomes. Be proactive in discussing treatment options and potential side effects with your healthcare team.
Ultimately, while a family history of prostate cancer can heighten your risk, it doesn't predetermine your fate. By being proactive about screening, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed, you can take control of your prostate health and potentially reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer, even in the face of a family history of the disease.
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