Genetic screening test identifies increased risk of developing prostate cancer

Oncologica has launched its Prostatefocus cancer genetic screening test that identifies men at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

A significant proportion of men, particularly those people who develop aggressive life-threatening prostate cancer at a relatively early age, can now be identified as a consequence that they carry inherited abnormal disease-causing genes.

The family of inherited prostate cancer-causing genes is all involved in a process called DNA damage repair (DDR) which plays a critical role in ensuring that the DNA in your cells is maintained in a healthy state.

An inherited abnormality in any of these DDR genes predisposes men to the development of early aggressive prostate cancer. Notably, survival among men with faulty DNA repair genes is half that of men with normal DDR genes.

The new genetic Prostatefocus genetic screening test uses a simple saliva self-sample collection kit. Men who test positive can then benefit from regular checks, blood tests, and lifestyle preventative measures.

Dr. Marco Loddo, co-owner and scientific director at Oncologica, a leading genetic cancer and viral testing laboratory based in Cambridge UK, said that prostate cancer tends to grow slowly without symptoms, so men often present late with an advanced incurable disease.

Prostate cancer is more treatable when caught early so screening tests can help identify an individual at high risk of developing the disease so regular checks can take place.

The Prostatefocus test is available via Oncologica’s nationwide specialist medical healthcare providers who conduct a pre-test consultation explaining how the test works and the implications of any results.