22 December 2021

As families gather for Christmas, women are being encouraged to use it as an opportunity to talk to their fathers, sons, husbands and partners about their prostate cancer risks, with many in the dark about a genetic link that could cost them their life.

One in 500 Australians carry the BRCA1 gene mutation and 1 in 255 carry the BRCA2 mutation, which made headlines after actress Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy upon discovering she was carrying the mutant gene.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has issued a warning that the mutations also increase men’s risks of the deadliest forms of prostate cancer.

“Some of the most aggressive prostate cancers are associated with BRCA mutations, although few men are aware of the connection,” said PCFA’s CEO, Anne Savage.

“Evidence shows that wives and partners play an incredibly significant role in helping to raise men’s awareness of health risks, and often the encouragement and support of mothers, wives and partners can make the difference between life and death.

“BRCA1 and 2 mutations increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer by three or four times the average risk by age 70 – a risk which increases as the man ages.

“We need men with the BRCA2 gene mutation to know that they are actually seven times more likely than men without the abnormal gene to develop prostate cancer, which means they could be living with a ticking time bomb,” Ms Savage said.

“Research shows if a prostate cancer develops in a man who carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, it’s more likely to be aggressive and to spread beyond the prostate.

“We’re calling on women and men to help us save lives by talking about their family history of cancer this Christmas, and to get a routine check-up over the holiday break.

“PSA blood tests can help detect prostate cancers early - it’s vital that men with a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancers discuss their risks with a GP and start PSA testing from an earlier age.”

BRCA 1 and 2 mutations can also be non-hereditary and occur without warning.

More than 18,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and more than 3,300 tragically die from the disease. It’s the most commonly diagnosed and second biggest cancer killer among Australian men, after lung cancer.

“When you come together around the Christmas tree this year, use it as an opportunity to save lives and help families bring each other good health in the years ahead,” Ms Savage said.

“Encourage the men in your life to know their prostate cancer risk, and if you can, please give a gift that keeps on giving by donating to PCFA’s Christmas Appeal for prostate cancer research.

“Donating is easy and takes just two minutes online by visiting www.pcfa.org.au.

“And if you or your family need our support this Christmas, please call our Telenursing Team on 1800 22 00 99.”

 

ENDS

Media contact: Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788