Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer types among men. Most prostate cancers are not associated with a hereditary predisposition, but prostate cancers that have spread or are more aggressive are more likely to be associated with a hereditary predisposition. The aggressiveness of prostate cancer is determined by what is called the Gleason score.  Those with score of 7 or higher are considered more aggressive.

Mutations in the following genes can be passed down from a parent to a child and increase a man’s chance of developing prostate cancer:

• BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
• HOXB13
• ATM

Other genes that may be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer are currently under investigation.