Family History and Prostate Cancer Risk: What Men Need to Know

If prostate cancer runs in your family, you may have wondered whether you are more likely to develop it yourself.

The answer is yes, family history can increase prostate cancer risk.

Having a father, brother, or other close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer can make a man more likely to develop the disease than someone without a family history. The risk can be even greater when multiple close relatives have been diagnosed or when a relative developed prostate cancer at a younger age.

But having a family history does not mean you will definitely develop prostate cancer.

Family history is one piece of a much larger picture that includes age, genetics, race, overall health, and other factors. Understanding how these factors work together can help men make more informed decisions about prostate health and conversations about screening.

Does Prostate Cancer Run in Families?

Yes. Prostate cancer can run in families.

Some men have a higher risk because they inherit genetic changes that make prostate cancer more likely to develop.

However, not every case of prostate cancer is hereditary.

Family history can reflect several different things. Relatives may share inherited genetic factors, but they can also share environmental exposures, lifestyle patterns, or other factors that researchers have not fully identified.

This means that having a close relative with prostate cancer does not necessarily mean you inherited a specific cancer-causing mutation.

Nevertheless, a strong family history can be an important warning sign.

How Much Does Family History Increase Prostate Cancer Risk?

The amount of increased risk depends on several factors.

A man's risk may be higher when:

  • His father has had prostate cancer.

  • His brother has had prostate cancer.

  • Multiple close relatives have had prostate cancer.

  • A relative was diagnosed at a younger age.

  • Several relatives on the same side of the family have had prostate cancer.

  • There is also a history of certain other cancers in the family.

Having one first-degree relative, such as a father or brother, with prostate cancer is generally associated with approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared with men without that family history.

The risk can be higher when multiple first-degree relatives are affected or when relatives were diagnosed at younger ages.

Because risk varies, a healthcare provider can help put family history into context.

Why Does a Father or Brother With Prostate Cancer Matter?

The relationship between close relatives and prostate cancer risk is important because first-degree relatives share a significant portion of their genetic material.

A first-degree relative includes:

  • Father

  • Brother

  • Son

A history of prostate cancer in one of these relatives is generally more important when assessing inherited risk than a history in a more distant relative.

For example, having a father diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more significant to your personal risk assessment than having a distant cousin with the disease.

However, doctors may still want to know about prostate cancer anywhere in the family, particularly if several relatives have been affected.

Does It Matter How Old My Relative Was When Diagnosed?

Yes.

The age at which a family member developed prostate cancer can provide important information about potential risk.

Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age. Therefore, prostate cancer diagnosed in an older relative may reflect the general increase in prostate cancer that occurs with aging.

On the other hand, prostate cancer diagnosed at a relatively young age may raise greater concern about an inherited predisposition.

For example, a healthcare provider may pay closer attention to a family history that includes:

  • A father diagnosed at a younger age

  • A brother diagnosed at a younger age

  • Multiple relatives diagnosed before older adulthood

The exact age that is considered "young" can vary depending on the clinical context and guidelines being followed.

What If Multiple Family Members Had Prostate Cancer?

Having several close relatives with prostate cancer can increase concern about inherited risk.

For example, a man whose father and brother both had prostate cancer may have a higher risk than someone whose only affected relative was a distant family member.

The pattern of cancer within the family can also matter.

Healthcare providers may ask:

  • Which relatives had prostate cancer?

  • What age were they when diagnosed?

  • Were they on the same side of the family?

  • Was the cancer aggressive?

  • Did anyone die from prostate cancer?

  • Are there other cancers in the family?

This information can help identify patterns that may warrant additional evaluation.

What Other Cancers May Be Important?

A family history of prostate cancer is not the only family history that can matter.

Certain inherited genetic mutations can increase the risk of several different cancers.

For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are associated with increased risks of several cancers, including prostate cancer.

A family history that includes combinations of:

  • Prostate cancer

  • Breast cancer

  • Ovarian cancer

  • Pancreatic cancer

  • Colorectal cancer

may provide additional clues about inherited cancer risk.

This does not mean that having these cancers in your family proves you carry a genetic mutation.

Instead, the overall pattern may be a reason to discuss genetic counseling or testing with a healthcare professional.

Is Prostate Cancer Hereditary?

Some prostate cancers are hereditary, but not all of them.

Researchers estimate that a minority of prostate cancers are directly attributable to inherited genetic changes that substantially increase risk.

Hereditary prostate cancer generally refers to prostate cancer occurring as part of an inherited predisposition that can be passed from one generation to another.

Several genes have been associated with increased prostate cancer risk.

These include:

  • BRCA1

  • BRCA2

  • HOXB13

  • Certain DNA mismatch repair genes

  • Other genes involved in DNA repair

Importantly, having an inherited mutation does not guarantee that a man will develop prostate cancer.

It means his risk may be higher than that of someone without the mutation.

What Is BRCA and Why Does It Matter?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes involved in repairing damaged DNA.

Certain inherited mutations in these genes can increase the risk of several cancers.

While BRCA mutations are often discussed in connection with breast and ovarian cancer, they can also affect men's health.

Men with certain BRCA2 mutations have an increased risk of prostate cancer and may be more likely to develop aggressive disease.

This is one reason family histories containing breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers may be relevant when assessing inherited cancer risk.

What Is HOXB13?

HOXB13 is another gene associated with inherited prostate cancer risk.

Certain inherited changes in the HOXB13 gene have been linked to an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

HOXB13-related risk is particularly relevant when there is a strong family history of prostate cancer.

Genetic testing is not automatically necessary for every man with a family history. A healthcare professional or genetic counselor can help determine whether testing is appropriate based on the overall family pattern.

Does Having a Family History Mean I Will Get Prostate Cancer?

No.

A family history increases risk, but it does not determine your future.

Think of family history as a risk factor, not a prediction.

Many men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer never develop the disease.

Likewise, some men diagnosed with prostate cancer have no known family history.

This is why prostate cancer risk should be considered using multiple factors rather than family history alone.

What If My Father Had Prostate Cancer?

If your father had prostate cancer, it is worth telling your healthcare provider.

Your doctor may want to know:

  • Your father's age at diagnosis

  • Whether the cancer was aggressive

  • Whether he required treatment

  • Whether he had cancer in other parts of the body

  • Whether other relatives have had prostate cancer

  • Whether there is a history of other cancers in the family

This information can help determine whether you may benefit from earlier or more frequent prostate cancer screening discussions.

Having an affected father does not mean you should panic. It means you have information that may be useful when planning your healthcare.

What If My Brother Had Prostate Cancer?

A brother with prostate cancer can also be an important risk factor.

Because brothers share a significant portion of their genetic material, prostate cancer in a brother may provide information about potential inherited risk.

The concern may be greater if:

  • Your brother was diagnosed at a young age.

  • Multiple brothers have prostate cancer.

  • Your father also had prostate cancer.

  • Other relatives have had related cancers.

If your brother has been diagnosed, tell your healthcare provider even if you currently have no symptoms.

Family History and Prostate Cancer Screening

Family history can influence conversations about when prostate cancer screening should begin.

There is no single screening schedule that applies to every man.

Instead, healthcare providers consider factors such as:

  • Age

  • Family history

  • Race

  • Genetic risk

  • Overall health

  • Life expectancy

  • Previous PSA results

  • Personal preferences

Men at higher risk may be advised to discuss screening at a younger age than men at average risk.

Screening may involve a PSA blood test, and in some circumstances, a digital rectal examination or additional testing.

Can You Have Prostate Cancer Without Symptoms?

Yes.

This is especially important for men with a family history to understand.

Early prostate cancer may cause no noticeable symptoms.

A man can have:

  • Normal urination

  • No pelvic pain

  • No erectile difficulties

  • No obvious health changes

and still potentially have prostate cancer.

This is one reason risk factors matter.

Waiting until symptoms appear may not be the best approach for men who have a higher-than-average risk.

Instead, men should discuss their individual risk with a healthcare professional.

Can Lifestyle Changes Lower Prostate Cancer Risk?

You cannot change your genes or family history.

However, there are lifestyle habits that support overall health and may help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases.

These include:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight supports metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can help support healthy body weight and overall well-being.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports overall health.

Avoid Tobacco

Not smoking reduces the risk of numerous cancers and other serious diseases.

Limit Excessive Alcohol

Moderating alcohol intake can contribute to better overall health.

These habits should not be considered a guarantee against prostate cancer. Genetics and age remain important risk factors that lifestyle cannot eliminate.

Can Genetic Testing Tell Me If I Will Get Prostate Cancer?

Genetic testing cannot predict with certainty whether an individual man will develop prostate cancer.

Instead, genetic testing can identify inherited changes that may increase cancer risk.

Testing may be particularly relevant for men with:

  • Strong family histories of prostate cancer

  • Multiple relatives with cancer

  • Relatives diagnosed at younger ages

  • Family histories involving breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or colorectal cancer

  • Known genetic mutations in the family

A genetic counselor or qualified healthcare professional can help determine whether testing makes sense based on your family history.

What Information Should You Gather About Your Family?

If you want to better understand your prostate cancer risk, start by learning your family's cancer history.

Useful information includes:

Who had cancer?

Identify parents, siblings, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who were diagnosed.

What type of cancer did they have?

Prostate cancer is important, but other cancers may also provide clues about inherited risk.

How old were they when diagnosed?

Age at diagnosis can be especially helpful.

Was the cancer aggressive?

If known, information about cancer stage, spread, or treatment may provide additional context.

Which side of the family?

Knowing whether cancers occurred on your mother's or father's side can help identify patterns.

You do not need to know every detail before talking to a healthcare provider. Even basic family information can be useful.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

Consider discussing your family history with a healthcare provider if:

  • Your father had prostate cancer.

  • Your brother had prostate cancer.

  • Multiple relatives had prostate cancer.

  • A relative developed prostate cancer at a younger age.

  • Your family has a history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or colorectal cancer.

  • You know that a family member carries a cancer-associated genetic mutation.

You do not need to wait until you have symptoms.

In fact, men with elevated risk may benefit from discussing prostate health before symptoms develop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family History and Prostate Cancer

Does prostate cancer run in families?

Yes. Having a close relative with prostate cancer can increase a man's risk, particularly when multiple relatives are affected or relatives were diagnosed at younger ages.

If my father had prostate cancer, will I get it?

Not necessarily. Having a father with prostate cancer increases your risk but does not mean you will definitely develop the disease.

Is prostate cancer hereditary?

Some prostate cancers are hereditary and are associated with inherited genetic mutations. However, most prostate cancers are not caused by a single inherited mutation.

Is prostate cancer more likely if my brother had it?

Yes. A brother with prostate cancer can increase your risk, particularly if he was diagnosed at a younger age or if multiple relatives have had the disease.

What genes increase prostate cancer risk?

Several genes have been associated with increased prostate cancer risk, including BRCA1, BRCA2, HOXB13, and certain DNA mismatch repair genes.

Should I get genetic testing if prostate cancer runs in my family?

Not necessarily everyone with a family history needs genetic testing. A healthcare provider or genetic counselor can evaluate your family's cancer history and determine whether testing may be appropriate.

Should men with a family history be screened earlier?

Some men with higher-risk family histories may benefit from discussing prostate cancer screening earlier than men at average risk. The appropriate timing depends on individual risk factors and medical guidance.

Can lifestyle changes overcome genetic risk?

Healthy lifestyle choices cannot eliminate inherited risk. However, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and managing chronic health conditions can support overall health.

The Bottom Line: Know Your Family History

Family history is one of the most important prostate cancer risk factors that men can identify for themselves.

Having a father, brother, or other close relative with prostate cancer does not mean you will develop the disease. However, it may mean your risk is higher than average.

The pattern matters.

Multiple affected relatives, younger ages at diagnosis, aggressive prostate cancer, and certain combinations of cancers within a family can provide important clues about inherited risk.

If prostate cancer runs in your family, don't wait until you develop symptoms to bring it up. Share your family history with your healthcare provider and ask whether your age and risk factors warrant a conversation about prostate cancer screening or genetic counseling.

You cannot change your genes or your family history.

But you can know your risk.

And knowing your risk can help you make more informed decisions about your prostate health.

Related Articles

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors: What Every Man Should Know 

References

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2025). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Prostate Cancer Early Detection. National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Pritchard, C. C., Mateo, J., Walsh, M. F., et al. (2016). Inherited DNA-repair gene mutations in men with metastatic prostate cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine, 375(5), 443–453.

Schröder, F. H., Hugosson, J., Roobol, M. J., et al. (2014). Screening and prostate cancer mortality: Results of the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer at 13 years of follow-up. The Lancet, 384(9959), 2027–2035.

Teerlink, C. C., Christiano, A. M., & Leach, R. J. (2020). The genetics of prostate cancer. Genes, 11(12), 1394.