[Hereditary prostate cancer]

Familial prostate cancer patients are sometimes encountered. Hereditary prostate cancer is a more specific form of familial prostate cancer that is inherited by a susceptibility gene consistent with Mendelian inheritance. Early age at onset is the most important characteristic. No clear differences in either stage, grade or prognosis have been found between hereditary and sporadic prostate cancer. No susceptibility genes have been isolated yet, but several genes may exist. In Japan, doctors are not generally aware of hereditary and familial prostate cancer. Family history is one of the most important risk factors of prostate cancer. We should make an effort to find prostate cancer patients at an early stage in the high risk families.