Prostate Cancer Screening Urged for Men with Genetic Risk Factors

Strategic Insights -

Men with genes that increase their risk of prostate cancer should have annual checks from the age of 40, research has shown. The Institute of Cancer Research study found that men carrying particular BRCA gene mutations are at an even higher risk of developing aggressive prostate disease. The UK National Screening Committee is considering introducing targeted screening, with a decision expected next month. A campaign has called for checks for those at greatest risk, including black men, those with genes linked to prostate cancer, and those with a family history.

Key Takeaways:

  • Men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are at a significantly higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, with men with the BRCA1 gene fault being more than three times as likely to have aggressive prostate cancers that are likely to grow and spread quickly.
  • Those with faults in the BRCA2 gene have twice the overall risk of prostate cancer and are likely to be diagnosed at a younger age than those without it.
  • The study recommends annual PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing for men with BRCA gene faults from the age of 40.
  • The UK National Screening Committee is considering introducing targeted screening, with a decision expected next month.
  • A campaign has called for checks for those at greatest risk, including black men, those with genes linked to prostate cancer, and those with a family history.
  • The latest findings were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress in 2025.
  • Funders for the study included Cancer Research UK, Cure BRCA, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICR.
  • Men with the BRCA1 gene fault were more than three times as likely, compared with non-carriers, to have aggressive prostate cancers that are likely to grow and spread quickly.
  • The risk of prostate cancer increased from 1.4% to 3.1% among BRCA2 carriers, with an average age of diagnosis of 60 for carriers, compared with 65 for non-carriers.

Statistics:

  • 3,000 men from 20 different countries were tracked for five years in the international study.
  • Men with the BRCA1 gene fault were more than three times as likely to have aggressive prostate cancers that are likely to grow and spread quickly compared with non-carriers.
  • The risk of prostate cancer increased from 1.4% to 3.1% among BRCA2 carriers.
  • The average age of diagnosis for BRCA2 carriers was 60, compared with 65 for non-carriers.
  • The study recommends annual PSA testing for men with BRCA gene faults from the age of 40.

Sources:

  • Institute of Cancer Research study
  • European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2025
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Cure BRCA
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research
  • Biomedical Research Centre at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
  • ICR