Cancer Prostate Cancer The Prostate Cancer-Breast Cancer Link By Matthew Schmitz, MD Matthew Schmitz, MD LinkedIn Matthew Schmitz, MD, is a professional radiologist who has worked extensively with prostate cancer patients and their families. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 21, 2021 Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD LinkedIn Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is double board-certified in medical oncology and hematology. He was a physician in the US Air Force and now practices at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he is an associate professor. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Research has shown that there may be a link between prostate cancer and breast cancer. A family history of breast cancer is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Certain genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer may result in an increased risk of prostate cancer in men. And there are also similar biological processes that can contribute to the development of both of these types of cancers. However, breast cancer and prostate cancer are among the most common types of cancers, and they are not always associated with a family history or with recognized genetic mutations. Furthermore, there are treatments for these types of cancer, and they are more effective when they are initiated at an early stage. So it is important that you have your recommended health screenings even if you don't have any known risk factors. Illustration by Verywell Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Men who have a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer may be at a higher risk of getting prostate cancer. While the exact reasons for this link are not completely clear, both types of cancer are associated with inflammation and with similar processes of carcinogenesis (cancer cell development). BRCA Genes Mutations in two genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer in women and men, and with a higher risk of ovarian cancer in women. These gene mutations are often inherited and run in families, but they can also develop de novo (without an inherited pattern). Men who have these genetic mutations are at an increased risk of prostate cancer as well as pancreatic cancer. Mutations of both genes have been shown to be associated with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, and evidence suggests that mutations in BRCA2 are more strongly correlated with prostate cancer risk. Prostate Cancer Testing All men with metastatic prostate cancer should be tested for the BRCA genes. However, having these mutations does not mean that a man will definitely develop prostate cancer. Additionally, most men who develop prostate cancer do not have BRCA mutations. If a mutation is found, it could affect the age at which initial screening is recommended. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pilarski R. The role of testing in hereditary pancreatic and prostate cancer families. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2019;39:79-86. doi:10.1200/EDBK_238977 NIH National Cancer Institute. Common cancer types. Barber L, Gerke T, Markt SC, et al. Family history of breast or prostate cancer and prostate cancer risk. Clin Cancer Res. 2018;24(23):5910-5917. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-0370 Petrucelli N, Daly MB, Pal T. BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al., editors. GeneReviews. Friedenson B. BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathways and the risk of cancers other than breast or ovarian. MedGenMed. 2005;7(2):60. By Matthew Schmitz, MD Matthew Schmitz, MD, is a professional radiologist who has worked extensively with prostate cancer patients and their families. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit