What Causes Prostate Cancer?
3. Genetics
Various studies have identified genetic variants in chromosome 8 in the 8q24 region, which has been associated with the higher risk of prostate cancer. Other genetic alterations include those on the X chromosome (human prostate cancer 1), chromosome 17, and chromosome 1 (hereditary prostate cancer 1 [HPC1] gene and the predisposing for cancer of the prostate [PCAP] gene).
The genetic studies have found that having a strong familial predisposition may be responsible for 5% to 10% of cases. Those with a higher risk may also present 6 to 7 years earlier. Those with BRCA2 mutations tend to have a higher risk of prostate cancer that develops at a younger age and is more aggressive. One study found that germline mutations in HOXB13, a homeobox transcription factor gene, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
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