Is Prostate Cancer Hereditary?

If prostate cancer runs in your family, you might’ve wondered whether it’s something passed down through your genes. It’s a common concern for many men, especially those with a parent or sibling who’s faced this diagnosis.

Understanding how genetics may influence your risk can help you take control of your health and make informed decisions about screening and prevention.

Is there a hereditary link with prostate cancer?

In some cases, prostate cancer might be hereditary. Studies suggest that around 5% to 10% of prostate cancer cases could be linked to inherited genetic mutations.

If a close relative, such as your father, brother, or son, has been diagnosed, your risk might be higher. The risk also tends to rise if the diagnosis occurred before the age of 60 or if several relatives on the same side of the family were affected.

Researchers have identified specific genes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13, that may increase the risk of prostate cancer. These genes are also connected to other types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer, which means your family history on either side may play a part.

Understanding your family pattern can guide when to start regular checks or consider genetic testing.

How genetic testing helps

Genetic testing looks for inherited changes in your DNA that might increase your risk of prostate cancer. If you’ve got a strong family history of this or other related cancers, your doctor might recommend a test to identify known mutations. The results can help you and your healthcare provider make more informed decisions about screening frequency and lifestyle choices.

Still, it’s important to remember that carrying a genetic mutation doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop prostate cancer. It simply means you’ve got a higher chance than someone without those mutations. Knowing your genetic status helps you stay one step ahead by being more proactive about regular health checks and monitoring changes over time.

Other contributing risk factors of prostate cancer

Even though genes might influence your risk, they’re not the only factor. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer don’t have a family history of the disease.

Age plays a significant role since the likelihood increases after 50.
Ethnicity also matters because Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and often at a younger age.
A diet that’s high in red meat, processed foods, or saturated fats may increase risk, while maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might help lower it.

Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake are also good habits for supporting prostate health. These changes don’t guarantee prevention but may make a difference in how your body manages potential risks.

Recognising early warning signs

Catching prostate cancer early often leads to better outcomes. Common warning signs might include:

Difficulty urinating
Weak flow
Frequent night-time urination
Blood in the urine.

However, some men don’t notice any symptoms at first, which makes regular screening an essential part of early detection.

Doctors usually recommend a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test or a digital rectal examination as part of a screening plan.

If your family history or genetic background puts you at higher risk, your doctor might suggest starting screenings earlier or repeating them more frequently. These checks can help detect small changes before they turn into something more serious.

Taking charge of your health

While prostate cancer might sometimes be hereditary, it’s not entirely out of your hands. By staying informed, embracing healthy lifestyle habits, and keeping up with medical appointments, you can actively protect your wellbeing. Genetic risk isn’t a guarantee of illness, but rather a sign to stay proactive and aware.

Understanding your body, your family history, and your options empowers you to make confident choices for your health. With regular care, early detection, and expert guidance, you can reduce risks and live with greater peace of mind knowing you’re taking the right steps to protect your future.

Always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting any screening, testing, or treatment related to prostate cancer.

Helpful guide: How to Check for Prostate Cancer at Home.

Maneesh Ghei

Mr Maneesh Ghei MS MRCSEd MD (UCL) FRCS (Urol) is a highly experienced Consultant Urological Surgeon and founder of Urocare London, with over three decades of practice in both NHS and private settings across the capital. As Lead Cancer Clinician at Whittington Hospital, Archway, he chairs the multidisciplinary urology cancer meeting, overseeing patient care from diagnosis through to the latest minimally invasive treatments. A pioneer in complex endourology and stone disease management, Mr Ghei led the UK’s first randomised, double-blind trial of intradetrusor botulinum toxin for refractory overactive bladder. He holds an MBBS and MS in General Surgery from India, an MD from University College London, and undertook advanced fellowships in stone disease and laparoscopic surgery, culminating in his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (Urology). Committed to education and research, he supervises doctoral work in focal therapies and cryotherapy for prostate cancer and champions public awareness through annual Movember fundraising.