Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer

One in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. That makes prostate cancer one of the most common cancers affecting men. Fortunately, advances in medicine are changing how we detect, understand, and treat prostate cancer. One of the most important developments is genetic testing. 

Genetic testing, available at The Urology Group, can help you:

• Predict your risk for a variety of cancers.
• Determine if your children have the same risks.
• Guide your decisions about your healthcare.
• Gain peace of mind. 

What Is Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing is a simple blood test that, when analyzed, can determine the presence of specific inherited changes (called mutations) in your genes. These genes instruct your body about how to grow. Mutations in these genes may signal your risk of developing cancer, including prostate cancer.

At The Urology Group, genetic testing (also called germline testing) looks for gene mutations passed down from your parents. Such mutations, if found, are present in every cell of your body and can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer and other cancers.

Why Is Genetic Testing Important?

The results of genetic testing will help you and your healthcare team to make better decisions. 

1. Understand Your Personal Risk

If you have a family history of prostate, breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer, genetic testing can reveal whether you carry inherited mutations that increase your risk. This allows for earlier and more proactive screening.

2. Guide Treatment Decisions

If you have received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, genetic testing can help determine which treatments may be most effective. Certain treatments for prostate cancer are specifically designed to target cancer with genetic mutations.

3. Inform Your Family Members

Because some genetic mutations are inherited, your test results may provide valuable information for your relatives. If a mutation is identified in your test, your family members may choose to get tested and in some cases, be monitored more closely and take preventive steps to avoid a cancer diagnosis.

4. Identify Aggressive Disease

Some genetic mutations are associated with more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Knowing this early can help determine which treatment is best for you. 

5. Peace of Mind

For some patients, genetic testing provides reassurance. It might confirm that no known mutations exist, or it may provide a clearer treatment plan if a mutation is found.

What Do the Results Mean?

There are three possible test results:

Positive:  An inherited gene mutation was found that may increase your risk for certain cancers. There also is a 50% chance that your parents, siblings, and children also have this same mutation. 

Negative: No mutations were found in the genes tested. This means that, based on your genes, you do not have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. While this does not guarantee you will not develop cancer, a negative result can bring peace of mind. 

Variant of Uncertain Significance: Indicates a change in at least one of the genes tested. However, scientific knowledge does not yet provide enough information about whether this change increases your risk for certain cancers. This result should not be used to guide your medical care. Your doctor will discuss the implications of your test result in relation to your personal and family history.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing is typically recommended for men who :

• Have been diagnosed with high risk or metastatic prostate cancer or have a close relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 60 or died of prostate cancer.

It sometimes is also recommended for men who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer but who:

• Have a family history of prostate, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or colorectal cancer.
• Have relatives with known genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2).
• Are of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Ashkenazi Jewish descent, where some mutations are more common.

Deciding whether to undergo genetic testing is a personal choice, but it’s one that can have a lasting impact on your health and your family’s well-being. At The Urology Group we offer genetic testing as part of a proactive, patient-centered approach to prostate health.

The specialists at The Urology Group can help you decide if testing is right for you.

What to Expect During the Testing Process

1. Your blood will be drawn, typically at The Urology Group depending on your insurance coverage.
2. The blood will be tested in our own lab.
3. The test will be customized to your specific needs. 
4. Results will be available in a few weeks. 
5. A follow-up consultation will be scheduled to discuss results and whether the results might change your ongoing care plan.

Take the Next Step

If you wish to undergo genetic testing, or need more information, talk to your urologist or a navigator from The Urology Group. Or contact us at:

Call:  (513) 841-7473

Email:  navgenetics@urologygroup.com

For more information:

To see if you are a candidate for genetic testing:

Call: (513) 841-7473

Email: navgenetics@urologygroup.com

CLICK HERE to download patient consent form