All diseases
Prostate cancer
The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It is located ventrally of the rectum and it surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. Its main role is the secretion of some components of the seminal fluid. In older men, especially after the age of 50, prostate hypertrophy (i.e. enlargement) often occurs due to the effects of the male hormone testosterone, among other influences. In some cases, however, prostate cancer can develop as well.
Prostate cancer is a disease characterized by the changes in the genetic material of prostate cells and consequently uncontrolled division and invasion of cancer cells into the surrounding tissues. Due to its location and extensive network of blood and lymph vessels, it is a very aggressive, fast-spreading cancer.
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Your genetic analysis showed that you have a slightly decreased risk for prostate cancer compared to the average male population. The circumscribed cancerous changes in the prostate are very common in men after the age of 50; thus, even a decreased risk does not absolutely protect you from this disease. If the growth of these cells is widely spread and metastases appear, the prognosis of this cancer is very grim. Thus, it is recommended for all men after the age of 45 to undergo annual screening for prostate cancer. Only an early detection of this cancer enables timely surgical removal of the prostate and a complete cure.
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GenePlanet Medical Team
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The influence of genes
Increased
Prostate cancer belongs to the class of diseases whose appearance is attributable to the genes to a large extent. Heritability of such diseases is relatively high, but it usually does not surpass 50%. Genes often determine congenital malformations that are unresponsive to environmental influences; however, an adequate behaviour and lifestyle can nevertheless substantially influence the appearance of the disease.