Family History

Ten to 15 per cent of men with prostate cancer, have a family history of the disease. Men with a family history, tend to develop prostate cancer at an early age (under 55 years old).

Men who have one first-degree relative (father, brother) with prostate cancer have a two-fold increased risk of developing prostate cancer during their lifetime. With two first degree relatives, the risk increases five-fold, and with three or more first-degree relatives the risk is very high - almost 100%. Some studies have also shown a link with breast cancer in first-degree relatives.

There is a prostate cancer gene. The fact that a gene exists gives us hope for new tests and a cure for the hereditary form of the disease. Experts estimate that 65 per cent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 56, develop the disease because they have the prostate cancer gene. They also estimate that 97 per cent of men with the gene will develop prostate cancer by age 85. This group of men has the most to gain from the discovery of the prostate cancer gene.

For More Info Go To -  prostatecancer.ca