Genetic testing is here and it is changing the way we approach prostate cancer screening for patients AND their families. The genes you inherit from your parents can play a huge role in determining your risk for prostate cancer. Research has identified several inherited genes that can increase your risk for the development of prostate cancer. These genes can also be the source of breast, ovarian and other cancers that run in a family.
Austin Urology Institute is the only urology group in Central Texas to currently offer genetic prostate cancer testing using ProstateNext. Five to ten percent of prostate cancer is heredity, meaning you are born with the gene and are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. ProstateNext is a 14-gene screening panel. It offers early detection of genes likely to cause hereditary prostate cancer.
Learning if you have the inherited gene helps you to know your cancer risk and may lead to earlier or more frequent prostate cancer screening. And it doesn’t just help YOU to identify your risks. If you test positive, a close family member (parent, brother, sister or child) has a 50/50 chance of also having the same gene mutation. Armed with this information, they too can be aware of their higher risks for certain types of cancer. Additionally, if you test positive, Ambry, the manufacturer of ProstateNext, will offer genetic testing free of charge for any extended family member.
So how do you know if you should be tested? ProstateNext testing is recommended:
- If you or a family member were diagnosed with prostate cancer at or under 50 years of age
- If you or a family member have had metastatic prostate cancer at any age
- If you or a family member have had multiple cancers (example: prostate and male breast cancer)
- If you have a personal history of prostate cancer and one or more family members on the same side have had breast and/or invasive ovarian cancer at or under 50 years of age
- If you have a personal history of prostate cancer and two or more family members on the same side have been diagnosed with breast, pancreatic, or prostate cancer
Contact Austin Urology Institute at (512) 694-8888 to set up an appointment to further discuss ProstateNext testing and schedule your annual prostate cancer evaluation.
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