Prostate cancer is a highly inheritable disease with large disparities of incidence rates across different racial groups. It occurs when genetic changes cause cancerous cells to develop in the prostate. Genetic tests can detect these changes and inform an individual about their risk of cancer. Genetic testing or screening is a process that allows one to look at these genetic changes. It involves sending blood or saliva samples to a specialized lab for analysis. Once these results are returned, one can discuss the findings with their doctor or genetic counselor.
Because testing for the genetic changes can help pick out men at high risk of prostate cancer, genetic testing could be of benefit to Black men and other high-risk men (i.e., family history, Ashkenazi Jews). Research conducted by Dr. Chris Haiman, Professor of Preventive Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and his team, not only confirmed that genetic changes are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer,1 and these changes were more prominent in Black men.
To learn more about clinical studies, which incorporate genetic testing, please review the studies below and join our upcoming webinar:
