September 30th, 2009

New genetic factors linked to prostate cancer

By: April Lynch

Prostate_cancer_ribbon

Today’s announcement of the discovery of a new set of genetic markers related to prostate cancer has health officials paying attention — across the Atlantic, at least.

Genetic research firm deCODE, based in Iceland, announced that its researchers had discovered four new genetic factors linked to prostate cancer. Furthermore, the company said, testing a broad group of men for these and other variants linked to the disease revealed which men were at especially high risk.

deCODE, which sells a prostate cancer genetic risk test, has a clear interest in seeing this type of testing become more common, especially as the firm struggles finanically. But the results are also gaining the attention of doctors and public health experts. That’s because prostate cancer screening is tricky.

The test used most often in the United States, the PSA screen, isn’t all that reliable. More conclusive tests, such as a biopsy, are invasive and more expensive.

In Great Britain, PSA screening is offered only to men with a family history of prostate cancer. As health officials in that country look for better ways to screen, a leading newspaper suggested that deCODE’s new findings might lead to a national genetic screening program.

It’s unlikely that the United States will make a similar move any time soon. But if prostate cancer runs in your family, what would you do? Stick with PSA? Would you considered any genetic tests?

In our book, we talk about genetic factors in prostate cancer and other types of cancer in Chapter 5.

Categories: Chapter 5: Your Genes and Cancer

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"As you read these pages, I hope you will be inspired to explore how you might use genetic information to improve your own health."
- Catherine Wicklund, MS, CGC
President, National Society of Genetic Counselors, 2007
from her foreword to The Genome Book

About the authors

April Lynch is an author whose work focuses on health and genetics. As an award-winning journalist, she directed coverage of science, health, and medicine for The San Jose Mercury News, Silicon Valley's leading newspaper. She has also written for a variety of other organizations, including leading university textbook publisher Pearson Education and genomics firm Navigenics. Her work on the book and this blog reflects her views, and not those of any employer or organization.


Vickie Venne, MS, CGC, is celebrating 30 years as a genetic counselor. She worked in prenatal, pediatric, and laboratory settings before joining the Hunstman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. In addition to caring for patients, she has taught for the California Department of Education and the University of Utah's graduate program in genetic counseling. She has also served as president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Her work on the book and this blog reflects her views, and not those of any employer or organization.

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