The Connection Between Family History and PSA Testing

Are you at Risk?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, but early detection can make a significant difference in outcomes. For men with a documented family history of prostate cancer, the risks are ever-present. Understanding your risk and taking proactive steps, such as PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing, can be a crucial part of your health journey. Here at Salient, we are at the cutting edge of diagnostics, pathology testing and microbiome reporting, so we understand the importance of routine PSA testing.

The Connection Between Family History and Prostate Cancer

Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer. If a father, brother or other close male relative has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or has received a problematic PSA test result, your risk of developing the disease increases. The risk increases further if multiple family members have been affected or if they were diagnosed at a younger age. This elevated risk is often linked to shared genetics, with mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are commonly associated with breast cancer, also increasing prostate cancer risk. Family members often share environmental and lifestyle factors that may also influence cancer risk. (Source)

Why PSA Testing Matters for High-Risk Groups

PSA testing measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or certain infections. For men with a family history of prostate cancer, routine PSA testing can help detect potential issues early, even before symptoms are evident. Early detection is essential because prostate cancer often grows slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By catching it early, men have far more treatment options available, and a better chance of successful outcomes.

When to Start PSA Testing

For the general population, PSA testing is typically recommended starting at age 50. However, men with a family history of prostate cancer are often advised to begin testing earlier, usually around age 40 or 45. If you have multiple relatives who were diagnosed at a young age, your doctor may suggest starting even earlier than this. It’s important to discuss your specific risk factors with your healthcare provider to develop a personalised screening plan. The healthcare professional may also recommend additional tests or imaging if your PSA levels are concerning.

Steps to Lower Your Risk

While you can’t change your genetics, there are a number of proactive steps you can take to support your prostate health.

Healthy Diet: Focus on foods rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Reducing your consumption of processed foods and red meat has also been shown to reduce risk. (Source)

Regular Exercise: Staying active can improve your overall health and reduce inflammation, which may lower cancer risk. (Source)

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. (Source)

Limiting your alcohol intake and quitting smoking will also reduce your risk, as these activities are associated with increased cancer risk.

Take Charge of Your Health

If you have a family history of prostate cancer, then knowledge is power. Starting a conversation with your doctor, your manager at work or perhaps an individual at your university about PSA testing. Here at Salient, we provide a wide range of customisable large scale blood pathology test markers, including PSA. Early detection can save lives, and taking control of your health today can make all the difference tomorrow. If you have any questions about PSA testing, our range of test markers or about our large-scale testing, contact us now and speak to a member of the team.

Our Central London PSA Testing Pathology Services

We are conveniently situated in Bermondsey, London SE16. For London-based clients have benefit from our central London location to get PSA Testing carried out as expediently as possible.

Our full address is: Salient Bio The Biscuit Factory 100 Drummond Rd London SE16 4DG

Clinical Review: The information on this page has been reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Marta Ciechonska Ph.D, microbiologist.