Sources: BBC Health News; Jorunal Oncology
THE BRCA2 gene has been linked to hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Now scientists say that as well as being more likely to get prostate cancer, men with BRCA2 are also more likely to develop aggressive tumours and have the poorest survival rates. Men with the gene should be treated quickly to save lives. More than 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. 1 in every 100 men with prostate cancer have the BRCA2 mutation.
Prostate cancer can grow either extremely slowly or very quickly. Some men may live symptom-free for a lifetime, despite having this cancer. Those with BRCA2 and prostate cancer should be treated early and aggressively because their tumour is more likely to spread.
Quick Facts about Prostate Cancer: 1.) The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis found only in men. It’s job is to make the fluid part of semen; 2.) Prostate cancer does not normally cause symptoms until the cancer has grown; 3.) Prostate cancer can be diagnosed by taking a biopsy (a small tissue sample of the prostate gland); 4.) Some men may be advised to delay having treatment if the tumour is very slow growing; 5.) Others may want to have surgery to remove the entire prostate; 6.) For some, treatment may offer the best chance of cure but it can cause serious side effects including impotence and incontinence
Patients with BRCA2-mutations were significantly less likely to survive their cancer, living an average of 6.5 years after diagnosis compared with 12.9 years for non-carriers. They were also more likely to have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Men with a significant family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer in addition to prostate cancer should be offered BRCA1/2 testing at diagnosis, but it is not routinely offered to all patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The Lewis Law Firm has a history of representing patients with Breast, Ovarian and Prostate Cancers. Have you or a loved one been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer? Contact the Lewis Law Firm for a free consultation.