How unusual is this? (Prostate cancer)

[left-of-center2012]

I found out tonight that one of my brothers just got diagnosed with prostate cancer. One-and-a-half years ago I lost a brother to a brain tumor, and ten years ago another brother died from lung cancer.
So that's three of my brothers (out of six of us) to get cancer.

That seems like a high rate.

My brother will decide in three weeks whether to opt for chemo, removal of the prostrate, or the implanting of tiny radiated 'seeds' into his prostrate. He just turned 74.

[alfredo]

1. I guess cancer is the reward of a long life

[Solly Mack]

2. Link to Memorial Sloan Kettering on genes/cancer.

Hereditary Cancer & Genetics

Cancer is usually caused by gene mutations that occur randomly in one or a few cells of the body. Such gene changes, called somatic mutations, may arise as a natural consequence of aging or when a cell’s DNA has been damaged. Acquired mutations are only present in some of the body’s cells, and they are not passed on from parents to their children.

However, in a small percentage of people with cancer, the disease is due to a different type of mutation called a hereditary mutation, or germline mutation. These mutations are usually inherited from one or both of the person’s parents, and are present in nearly every cell of the body. Because hereditary mutations are present in the DNA of sperm and egg cells, they can be passed down in families.

People who carry such hereditary mutations do not necessarily get cancer, but their risk of developing the disease at some point during their lifetime is higher than average.

In recent years, scientists have discovered a number of mutations that can contribute to a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancer, as well as some other, less common cancer types.

I'm sorry to hear about your brothers.

[Nac Mac Feegle]

3. I've heard that if a man lives long enough, he WILL get Prostate Cancer

My run-in with it was 4 years ago. I was lucky enough to be caught early. My PSA was a bit high, 4.2, so my GP referred me to a Urologist. The Urologist was going to wait and see, but when I mentioned that I'd lost an uncle to P.C., he immediately scheduled a biopsy. 12 core samples later, the results came back with 3 positive, and 4 more precancerous. Stage IIA, good insurance (Live better: Work Union.), and being in a major city made it able for me to go in 5 days a week for 9 weeks to have image modulated radiation therapy. Just lie on a table for about 10 minutes each time while a relativistic particle cannon does its' thing. In a room with 4 foot thick walls.

My PSA is now down into the 'normal' range (0.2), but I have to go in every 6 months to get checked.

It runs in families, although only the males. The only side effect I've had is that I no longer need a light when I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee. Somehow, my wife developed a night-light fetish.


Yes, I deal with things through humor, often inappropriate. The alternative involves screaming and/or violence. Maybe I'm just lazy.

[left-of-center2012]

4. "5 days a week for 9 weeks"

Good grief Charlie Brown!
I've got BC/BS Medicare Advantage HMO and dread what my co-pay would be each time.

But, thanks for the input. Appreciate the info and your perspective.