The Importance of Family History

Family history can indicate inherited risk for cancer, including prostate cancer. It is important to think about the family history of cancer in males and females on mother's side and father's side of the family. In addition, information on the following is very helpful when thinking about risk for cancer:

  • Cancers in three generations (including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, children, nieces, and nephews)
  • Types of cancers in men and women
  • Features of prostate cancer (Gleason score, stage, other pathologic features)
  • Age of diagnosis of cancers in family members
  • Screening or treatment information for patients and family members
  • Age of death from cancer
  • Lifestyle factors in the family (smoking, alcohol history, exposure history, etc).
  • Ancestry
  • Genetic test results if testing was performed by a family member

All Topics

Family History

Inherited Cancer Risk

Genes 101

Genetic Counseling

Genetic Testing

About Genetic Test Results