Know the Basics: Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in males, with about one man in nine to be diagnosed during his lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

While risk for the disease increases with age, genetics can play a role, too. More than 12 percent of men with prostate cancer tested positive for hereditary mutations of cancer-causing genes, according to study results presented at the 2018 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. In particular, gene mutations can include BRCA, CHEK2, ATM and PALB2.

These genetic mutations may also have a role in treatment planning. For example, drugs such as PARP inhibitors are being looked at in the prostate cancer space.

Other treatment options for the disease include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and active surveillance — an option that one 2017 study said to be best for low-risk disease. However, the jury is still out on which patients should receive treatment and who should get active surveillance.

For more information on prostate cancer, visit curetoday.com/tumor/prostate.