Prostate Cancer Risk Management & Treatment
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Prostate Cancer Risk
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located in the pelvis, below the bladder and near the rectum. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that occurs in men and people assigned male at birth.
Who is at risk for prostate cancer?
All men and people assigned male at birth are at risk for prostate cancer; the risk varies based on multiple factors, including:
- age
- race: Black people have the highest risk for prostate cancer of any group
- presence of an inherited mutation
- personal and family history of cancer
Factors such as diet, weight, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and environmental exposures have been studied for their effect on prostate cancer risk with mixed results. More research is needed to understand how much these factors influence prostate cancer risk.
Can prostate cancer be hereditary?
About 10% of people with prostate cancer have an inherited mutation linked to increased cancer risk. Inherited mutations in the genes below increase the risk for prostate cancer and can cause cancer to run in families.
Genes Linked to Prostate Cancer Risk |
*BRCA1, BRCA2 and HOXB13 have been linked to aggressive, metastatic disease. ** More research is needed to confirm a link between prostate cancer and an inherited mutation in this gene. Other genes not listed here may also increase the risk for prostate cancer. |
Risk Management and Treatment
Risk management
Options for prostate cancer screening are available. Guidelines for screening vary by gene mutation and level of risk. Click on the button below to learn more about these guidelines. Speak with your healthcare provider to decide on a risk-management plan and schedule that is right for you.
Treatment
People diagnosed with prostate cancer may have different treatment options based on cancer stage and grade as well as results from genetic testing and biomarker testing. Click on the button below to learn more about these treatment options. Speak with your healthcare provider to decide on a treatment plan that is right for you.
Participate in Hereditary Cancer Research
Below are some of our featured research studies looking at new ways to screen for, prevent, intercept or treat prostate cancer. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.
Study of a New InvestigationaI Inhibitor to Treat People with Advanced Solid Tumors
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05932862
PATROL Study: Prostate Cancer Screening for People AT Genetic Risk FOr Aggressive Disease
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT04472338
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05011383
Screening in Men at High Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05608694
Testing a Vaccine for Cancer Prevention in People with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT04367675
Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT03460977