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Summer, 2011

Cancer Genetic Counseling

The idea that genes contribute to a man's risk of prostate cancer first came from studies of families where prostate cancer occurred more often than would have been expected based on prostate cancer in the general population. Twins who share all of their DNA ("monozygotic twins") are also more likely to have the same prostate cancer status than twins with different DNA ("dizygotic twins").

Men with concerns about their own or a family member's risk of prostate cancer or other cancers should talk to their doctor to decide if genetic counseling would be appropriate. While there are currently no genetic tests that provide more information about a man's risk of prostate cancer than the information provided by his personal and family medical history, a genetic counselor may be helpful for a clearer understanding of his risk of prostate cancer.

Contact Us

Prostate Cancer Genetics Project
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
7436 Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Phone: 800-723-9170
Fax: 734-647-4338
Email: pcgp-project@med.umich.edu

Resources to Print

Prostate Cancer Genetics Project brochure

Family History Form

Summer, 2011 Newsletter