Lots of pro/con information on the web. Pro is results might prompt some people to get PSA, colonoscopies, and other screening tests. Con is that genetics does not mean you are going to get or not get something and many times life style choices are more important.

You could always get the info then decide what to do with it. Mine turned up nothing but I will be after my boys about family history of PCa, etc. All males have had umbilical hernia repairs so there is something to it whether DNA shows it or not.

My husband was diagnosed with PCA in 2017 at age 62 with Gleason 8. His uncle had had prostate cancer in his 60’s as well. Fast forward to last July when our 38 yr old son was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Many younger people are getting colon cancer. They aren’t sure why. Maybe diet. They have lowered the date of first colonoscopy to 45. He had surgery and is doing well.
His internist and gastroenterologist suggested he get a genetic test for Lynch Syndrome which encompasses a number of cancers, colorectal and prostate included. They did a very detailed history. Turns out his grandfather had colon cancer as well. My son tested positive for Lynch Syndrome. I tested negative so my husband is the one who passed it to my son. They suggested all of our children test. My daughter’s test was negative. Waiting for my other son’s results. They suggested we pass on the info onto my husband’s siblings. They can’t do much about it but being aware of a positive result should lead to being more vigilant about listening to one’s body. My son had zero bowel symptoms. His journey began with belly pain which turned out to be a blessing. During surgery she found he had a massive infection in his mesentery. I hate to think how long his tumor and the 4 other polyps would have kept growing. All 3 sons were going to have to get their PSA checked earlier than 50. The test is an easy spit test.

Very funny. People who test positive for Lynch Syndrome are more inclined to get colorectal , pancreatic, uterine, stomach, liver, kidney, brain and skin. So my husband being positive for Lynch Syndrome sets up our children for all of those cancers. Our daughter and sons can be negatively impacted. Nobody suggested my husband get genetic counseling when he got his PC at 62. Knowledge is power. We are going to sit around and wonder what is going on. We will do early testing and work with our physicians. My son’s internist could have dismissed his pain from muscle pulls when his first ultrasound came back negative. Luckily he was a super enthusiastic young Dr and kept digging and ordered the MRI that showed the large tumor.

This is a great post about listening to one's body, being an advocate and being informed.

Motown, my husband has done a few genetic tests. Even though there is a strong family history of PCa, the tests did not uncover a known genetic basis for my husband's PCa. Other testing he did through the University of Washington was able to identify what caused the PCa--the triggering event so to speak. (I'm probably not using the right terminology.) Bottom line is that if my husband's PCa recurs, we will already know which treatments are not good options for his type of cancer. For example, the doctor is pretty sure that Keytruda (sp?) would not be an option. Hope this is helpful.

Up4thefight, I am so happy that that doctor continued digging. I hope that your son makes a full recovery, and that all your children are well.

M

Post Edited (Melaine) : 3/15/2023 7:18:28 PM (GMT-8)