Genetic epidemiology of prostate cancer

Biochim Biophys Acta. 1999 Jan 29;1423(1):F1-13. doi: 10.1016/s0304-419x(98)00030-4.

Abstract

A family history of prostate cancer is a consistent risk factor for prostate cancer, and can also be used to predict the presence of prostate cancer among asymptomatic men who undergo PSA screening. Approximately 5% of cases of prostate cancer have a familial component. The genetic epidemiology of prostate cancer is complex, and genes on chromosome 1 and X chromosome contribute to familial aggregation. Neither of these prostate cancer susceptibility genes have been identified, but are the subject of an active search. Hereditary prostate cancer resembles non-hereditary cancer in terms of age of onset, pathologic appearance and grade.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diseases in Twins / genetics
  • Ethnicity
  • Family
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / analysis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Risk
  • Twin Studies as Topic

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen