Is prostate cancer hereditary?

Prostate cancer may have a certain genetic tendency, but not all cases are related to genetics. If one or two generations of men in the family have prostate cancer, it may increase the risk for other male family members, which is worthy of attention.

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in middle-aged and elderly men. In addition to factors such as age and racial differences, genetic factors are also considered to be one of the important risk factors. For example, if there is a prostate cancer patient in the immediate family, the risk of other male members of the family may be 2 to 3 times higher than that of ordinary people. Scientists have found that certain gene mutations may be closely related to the occurrence of prostate cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These gene tests may be of guiding significance in patients with a family history.

For ordinary men, most prostate cancers do not have a clear genetic background. More often, the occurrence of the disease is related to long-term exposure to unhealthy lifestyles, dietary structures and environmental factors. For those with a family history of the disease, necessary medical screening in the early years, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and rectal examination, may help to detect potential diseases early. Early diagnosis generally plays a key role in the treatment effect.

It is recommended that men, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer, start regular physical examinations around the age of 40, maintain a healthy diet, avoid excessive intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods, eat more foods rich in lycopene such as tomatoes and watermelons, and exercise regularly. If you experience symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, difficulty urinating, or pain when urinating, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.