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Hereditary prostate cancer in Nova Scotia
D L McLellan1, R W Norman, D G Bell
1Medical Student, Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova.
The Canadian Journal of Urology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Most prostate cancer cases are sporadic, but familial and hereditary prostate cancer (FPC) variants are significant. Identifying FPC families is crucial for targeted screening and genetic research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Prostate cancer exhibits sporadic, familial, and hereditary forms.
- Understanding the prevalence of these variants is essential for effective screening and genetic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hereditary and familial prostate cancer (FPC) in a Nova Scotia population.
- To determine the risk associated with family history in prostate cancer development.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 244 prostate cancer patients and 240 female partners.
- Participants were recruited via newspaper advertisements, urologist referrals, and telephone contact.
- Data on family history and prostate cancer diagnosis were collected using standardized questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 18% of prostate cancer patients had a positive family history, compared to 7.5% in the control group.
- Hereditary prostate cancer (5%) and familial prostate cancer (12%) accounted for a minority of cases, with sporadic prostate cancer being most common (83%).
- The odds ratio for first- and second-degree relatives was 2.73, indicating an increased risk.
Conclusions:
- While most prostate cancer is sporadic, familial and hereditary forms are significant and warrant further investigation.
- Identifying families with a history of prostate cancer is vital for implementing targeted screening programs and advancing gene mapping research.