Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis naturally raises a host of questions and concerns. Why me? Could my cancer be genetic? Could my loved ones also be at risk?

With medical advances, genetic testing is playing an increasingly important role in understanding and managing cancer. This article will help you better understand:

• The role of genetic mutations in cancer development
• The genes most commonly involved
• Reasons to consider genetic testing
• The steps involved in the testing process

Medical review by uro-oncologist Dr. Paul Toren, December 2025

What is a genetic mutation?

Imagine DNA inside your cells as an instruction manual guiding your body’s functions. Like a printing error, a mutation is a change or error in this manual.

Some of these “errors” have no consequence, while others can make you more vulnerable to certain cancers, including prostate cancer.

There are two types of mutations:

• Inherited: passed from a parent to their children
• Somatic: present in all cells of the body or appearing spontaneously during life. This type also includes mutations present only in the tumor

BRCA1 and BRCA2: commonly involved genes

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help repair DNA. They are well known for their role in breast and ovarian cancer in women, but they are also linked to other cancers:

BRCA2:

• Associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, often in a more aggressive form
• May increase the risk of pancreatic and breast cancer in men

BRCA1:

• Less frequently associated with prostate cancer, but still important to consider
• Mainly involved in ovarian, breast, and pancreatic cancers

Why consider genetic testing?

A genetic test can help:

• Better understand your cancer: a mutation may explain why the cancer is more aggressive or developed earlier
• Access targeted treatments: some medications, like PARP inhibitors, are designed specifically for cancers linked to BRCA mutations
• Inform and protect your family: if the mutation is inherited, preventive screening can allow earlier detection in family members
• Contribute to research: by allowing anonymous use of data, you help advance scientific knowledge

How is the test performed?

Depending on your situation, genetic analysis may be done with a sample of:

• Saliva or blood: a simple, painless collection
• Tumor tissue: sometimes samples from previous surgery or biopsy can be used. In some cases, a new biopsy may be required

Results are generally available after a few weeks.

A meeting with a genetic counselor is often recommended, before or after testing, to help you fully understand the implications of a genetic test.

Talk to your doctor

Genetic testing is not indicated in every case of prostate cancer. The first step is to discuss it with your urologist or oncologist. These professionals can:

• Assess whether a genetic test is relevant for your situation
• Submit a referral for a genetics consultation
• Guide you to a specialized hospital center

A medical referral is often required, and wait times may vary, but evaluation is free within the Quebec public system.

Examples of questions to ask your doctor:

• Could my cancer be genetic?
• Which tests would be appropriate for me?
• If a mutation is detected, how would this affect my treatment?
• Should my children or siblings also be tested?

In short: prostate cancer and genetics

• Up to 15% of advanced prostate cancers are linked to genetic mutations
• BRCA2 (and, to a lesser extent, BRCA1) are the most commonly involved genes
• Genetic testing can help select personalized treatments and protect your loved ones
• Genetic testing is simple, confidential, and increasingly accessible
• It may also reveal a risk for other cancers, such as pancreatic or ovarian cancers, in the family

Conclusion

Genetic mutations play a key role in the development and progression of some prostate cancers. A genetic test can provide valuable answers, help tailor your treatment, and better protect your family’s health.

Next steps:

• Discuss with your doctor whether a genetic test is indicated for you
• Find out if a genetics consultation is available at your healthcare facility
• Inform your relatives if an inherited mutation is suspected; family screening could be beneficial

At PROCURE, we believe that better understanding leads to better living with the disease. Our professionals are here to support you and answer your questions, seven days a week. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 or visit our website procure.ca