Knowledge is power: men who know they have family history of prostate cancer more likely to survive it

Men whose father or brother have had prostate cancer are more than twice as likely to develop the disease themselves. 

But, counter-intuitively, these same men may also be more likely to survive if they do go on develop it, according to new research. 

The study, which we part-funded, showed that men who had a strong history of prostate cancer had better survival rates than those with a weaker link to the disease. 

The researchers believe that this is because these men have a greater awareness of prostate cancer – which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. 

This shows how vital it is that men know their risk of prostate cancer, including the role of family history. 

One way you can raise awareness is by sharing our 30-second online risk checker with your friends and family. 

Just this month, we revealed how 10,000 men are diagnosed too late for a cure each year, with deprived areas worst hit. 

By sharing the risk checker, you can help more men understand their risk and what they can do about it – and, if they have prostate cancer, get the early diagnosis they deserve. 

Check your risk

Increased awareness of prostate cancer

The results come from the United Kingdom Genetic Prostate Cancer Study, which contains data on more than 16,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer since 1992. 

Researchers found that men who had relatives affected by prostate cancer – or by other cancers with an inherited element like breast, ovarian or bowel cancer – were 15 to 20 per cent less likely to die from prostate cancer, compared with those with no family history of cancer. 

The team also found that men with a family history of prostate cancer tended to be diagnosed younger – with one explanation being that they may be more likely to get an early diagnosis. 

Based on the type and timing of the men’s diagnoses, the researchers believe that the higher survival rates among men with a strong family history were likely due to their increased awareness of prostate cancer, rather than a difference in the severity of the cancers. 

However, the researchers cautioned that the study had found correlations, rather than proving the effect of awareness on early diagnosis.

Knowledge is power

Study leader Professor Ros Eeles, Professor of Oncogenetics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Cancer Genetics at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Knowledge really is power. Our study suggests that men with prostate cancer are much better off knowing about previous cancers in their family.  

“After looking at the type and timing of patients’ diagnoses, we have concluded that this is likely to be explained by an ‘awareness’ effect, which seems to lead to earlier diagnosis and, as a consequence, better survival.” 

Andrew Seggie, 42, who works at Prostate Cancer UK and has a family history of prostate cancer, said: “When my dad was diagnosed at the age of 62 with advanced prostate cancer, it came as a huge shock to the family. He died about 10 months after his diagnosis and receiving treatment to control the cancer. My grandad on my mum’s side was also diagnosed but his was caught early and successfully treated. This means my risk of prostate cancer is almost four times that of men without a family history.

“My brother and I are now aware of this disease and will be proactive in getting tested when the time comes. If prostate cancer is found, it will hopefully be early enough to be cured.  

“My message to younger men is to talk to your family about prostate cancer, and find out if you have a family history. If you do, I strongly recommend you talk to your GP about a regular PSA blood test from the age of 45.” 

If you or one of your relatives has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, share the risk checker and have a conversation about prostate cancer with your sons, brothers, uncles and friends. It could save their life. 

Check your risk