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What Causes It?

What Causes It?

December 14, 2021
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The exact cause of prostate cancer is typically not known. Although we know that advancing age is the main risk factor. In most cases, we don’t identify a specific cause.

 

In some patients, about 5 to 10% of prostate cancer cases, a genetic component is found. Some of the gene mutations responsible for prostate cancer are similar to breast cancer and are somewhat well-known, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

 

It is becoming increasingly common to perform genetic testing associated with prostate cancer diagnosis. So our understanding of the genetic basis is likely to keep getting more substantial.

 

Key Takeaways

1. In most cases of prostate cancer, we don’t identify a specific cause.

2. We do know that advancing age is the main risk factor.

3. A genetic mutation is found in about 5 to 10% of prostate cancer cases, with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations being common.

4. It is becoming increasingly common to perform genetic testing with a prostate cancer diagnosis.