Genetic Mutation Tied To Inherited Prostate Cancer
Posted Thursday, January 12, 2012 --- 5:35 a.m.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Scientists say they've identified the first genetic mutation with a major effect on the risk of prostate cancer that runs in families and strikes men early, by age 55.
The mutation accounts for only about 1 percent of all prostate cancers. But studying it might help scientists understand the disease in general and find better treatments.
More than 240,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States this year. Most cases are sporadic rather than inherited, and on average they are diagnosed around age 70.
The work is reported in Thursday's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers said inheriting the mutation raises the risk of prostate cancer by 10 times or more.
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Online:
New England Journal of Medicine: http://www.nejm.org
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
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by JIM Location: Poynette on Jan 14, 2012 at 12:46 AMProstate Cancer is common on my Dads side of the Family. So far, i got it the earliest at 45. Even the Doctor was surprised I had it. It goes to show,you can get it at any age.[ Report Abuse ]
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