Prostate Cancer There are roughly 240,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the United States each year, making it the most common cancer in males. 10% of prostate cancer has a familial pattern. The presence of prostate cancer in a first degree relative ( father, brother, son) as the only finding in the family increases your risk for prostate cancer by 2 fold.

There are known genetic mutations associated with prostate cancer. BRCA2 male carriers have a 5 fold increase in prostate cancer and these cancers tend to be more aggressive. BRCA1 may be a risk factor but the increase in risk is lower at 1.8 fold.

Lynch syndrome is associated with a 2 to 3 three fold increased risk. The recommendations are for men with Lynch syndrome to begin screening at age 40 - ten years ahead of their peers. Or screening should begin ten years before the youngest case in the family.

HOXB13 was first described by Ewing, et al in the New England Journal of Medicine in The HOX or Homeobox gene sequence is responsible for the assembly of the embryo -which parts to develop first, second, third, and so forth. HOXB13 is the last segment and important for the development of the normal prostate. Mutations that reactivate or alter this gene can promote unregulated growth in prostate cancer.

In a study from Sweden published in European Urology July 2012 the HOXB13 gene mutation was found in >1% of the population. It was linked to a 3.5 fold risk of prostate cancer. One-third of HOXB13 G84E carriers developed prostate cancer. This test is now offered by the University of Washington and other labs. Contact our clinic if you would like to discuss your prostate cancer.