Can a family history of breast cancer predict prostate cancer?

NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia. Can men with a family history of breast cancer get testing to determine if they are at risk for prostate cancer? It may seem unlikely, but a local doctor says it’s possible thanks to genetic testing.

“Well, it’s a very simple test. It’s either a blood test or a saliva test that is sent to a lab,” said Dr. Aaron Chewinski, Riverside Health System’s director of oncology.

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Dr. Chevinski says the test helps detect a bad version of a specific gene: the BRCA gene, which stands for gene associated with breast cancer. If you have a mutated gene, it may mean you have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer.

“The BRCA gene is a normal gene in the body that everyone has… Everyone has this gene, but not everyone has an abnormal copy of the gene,” Dr. Chevinski explained.

He continued: “The most common BRCA-related cancer is breast cancer, and that’s what people tend to think about. But BRCA is also linked to ovarian cancer; it is also associated with prostate cancer and some other cancers.”

I asked the doctor why it was called the BRCA gene if it is also associated with other types of cancer.

“It was first discovered in breast cancer, and that’s where the gene took root,” he explained.

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Chewinski says that because BRCA genes help fight cancer, people with abnormalities in the gene may be vulnerable.

“BRCA is typically a tumor suppressor gene, meaning it is your body’s guardian. It finds cancer cells and destroys them,” Chevinski explained. “If this gene doesn’t work effectively, it puts you at higher risk of developing cancer. If a woman has the BRCA gene, she has a 50 to 80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.”

Men with a bad version of the gene may also be affected, Chewinski said.

“Any man in the United States has a 16%… chance of getting prostate cancer—if you have a mutated BRCA gene, that risk is 20% to 40%, maybe as high as 60%.

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Chevinski says the takeaway is clear: “Know your family history: What types of cancer run in the family? How close are you to you? At what age did they develop cancer? Knowledge is always power. Knowing what your risks are is always powerful.”

However, he believes genetic testing is not for everyone.

“Typically, before we test people, we ask them to talk to a genetic counselor. They study your family history in detail. They look at what your history is, who has had cancer, what age you are, and tell you if you qualify. take the test.”

Chevinski says most genetic testing results will be available in two weeks. He says it’s important to talk to your provider to see if this is the next step for you.