Genetic Testing and Prostate Cancer
Join us for a international discussion about genetic testing and prostate cancer. The connection between a man’s genes and his risk of developing prostate cancer is well established, but not well understood. Around 5-10% of all Australian prostate cancer cases are caused by an inherited genetic risk, and around 10-12% of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer carry inherited BRCA 1/2 mutations.
Currently, genetic testing is subsidised for men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) in Australia. Genetic testing can help with detection and diagnosis to target treatments for your prostate cancer.
Host Katie Clift is joined by a panel of experts – Prostate Cancer Medical Oncologist Elena Castro, who has worked for over a decade internationally researching cancer genetics, Bernard Riley, Head of Telenursing and Supportive Care Programs at PCFA and Paul Bain, prostate cancer survivor and advocate. The panellists discuss the connection between genetics and prostate cancer, the importance of genetic testing (which is subsidised for men with mCPRC in Australia), developments in research and precision medicines that can help stop the spread of tumours linked to genetic variations, and advice for all Australians dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Finding out if you have BRCA mutations or other genetic markers may potentially change the way your prostate cancer is treated and may tell your doctor whether some treatments will be less or more effective for you. Research is evolving to bring better testing and more targeted treatments for men at risk or those diagnosed with prostate cancer.
If you have any questions about genetic testing or genetic counselling reach out to your healthcare team or a PCFA nurse on 1800 22 00 99, or visit prostate.org.au.
HOST
Katie Clift
Director of International Public Relations Agency may:be/ Global Moderator, Speaker & Breast Cancer Survivor
Katie Clift is Director of maybe, an international counter-cultural public relations agency. An MBA scholar of Warwick Business School. Katie has worked internationally on both sides of communications – in the media (radio, television & digital journalism) and as a PR, spokesperson, and corporate affairs executive - for both the private and public sectors. She has a decade of experience as a moderator, presenting sessions, interviews and press conferences globally, from the World Economic Forum in Davos to the Union for International Cancer Control’s World Cancer Congress and various in-person and online events. Katie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in her 30s, and after 18 months of active treatment, returned to life and work more determined than ever to advocate for people affected by all types of cancer, and upscale communications for nonprofits globally.
PANELLISTS
Dr Elena Castro, Prostate Cancer Medical Oncologist
Elena Castro is a Medical Oncologist at the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. After training in oncology, Dr Castro completed a Fellowship in Cancer Genetics at the Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK. In 2013, she joined the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre as a Clinician Scientist in the Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Unit. Over the past decade, Dr Castro has accumulated expertise in cancer genetics and has worked on addressing the clinical implications of genetic and genomic variants in prostate cancer. Her current research is focused on the clinical and molecular characterization of BRCA2 mutations and other DNA repair defects in prostate cancer. Dr Castro has received several grants and awards for her work and authored numerous prostate cancer studies published in journals internationally.
Bernard Riley, Head of Telenursing and Supportive Care Programs at PCFA
Bernie Riley is Head of Telenursing and Supportive Care Programs at PCFA. He has been a nurse for around 20 years and is passionate about supporting the more than 70 men in Australia newly diagnosed with prostate cancer daily, and their families. Bernie’s dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which inspired Bernie to dedicate his life and career in nursing to Australians affected by the disease. PCFA offers a range of free support groups and programs nationally, including Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses, a Prostate Cancer Specialist Telenursing Service, the Prostate Cancer Counselling Service – Australia’s only specialised nationwide counselling service – and support groups throughout Australia. PCFA specialist nurses and support programs are instrumental in improving health outcomes and overall survival, reducing the burden of prostate cancer on the community and the health system. Find out more about the support available at https://www.prostate.org.au/pcfa-nursing-and-support/.
Paul Bain, Prostate Cancer Survivor and Advocate
Paul's life took an unexpected turn in 2020 when, shortly after his 50th birthday, he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason Grade 9). An active father of three, Paul believed he was in good health. His diagnosis came as a shock, triggered by a routine PSA blood test that showed an elevated reading of 39. Like many men, Paul had no symptoms and no family history of prostate cancer. He had assumed the disease was an “old man’s issue,” a misconception that highlights the need for greater awareness.
An MRI and biopsy revealed an aggressive tumour, necessitating a radical prostatectomy. However, even after surgery, cancer persisted, requiring radiotherapy later that year. Since then, Paul has been living with prostate cancer, undergoing regular monitoring and subsequent treatments. In June 2024, scans revealed that the cancer had metastasised to his right rib, confirming the initial fears associated with his Gleason grade. Further radiotherapy stabilised his PSA levels temporarily, but his December tests showed a concerning rise again, setting the stage for more evaluations and possible treatments in the New Year.
This ongoing cycle of treatment and monitoring has presented considerable physical and emotional challenges. However, Paul finds strength in the unwavering support of his family and friends, focusing on making the most of each day rather than dwelling on uncertainties about the future.
Motivated by his experience, Paul has become a passionate advocate for prostate cancer awareness. He encourages all men to undergo early testing, underscoring the importance of detecting the disease before symptoms arise. Paul is also an active fundraiser, participating annually in PCFA’s Long Run initiative, which raises vital funds for research and support services.
Beyond fundraising, Paul contributes to the broader prostate cancer community as a public advocate and thought leader. He has represented the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) on multiple media platforms, sharing his story to inspire action and awareness. Recently, he co-authored the journal article "Understanding the Needs of Prostate Cancer Patients in the Asia-Pacific Region,” reflecting his commitment to improving outcomes for patients globally.
Paul’s journey highlights not only the challenges of living with advanced prostate cancer but also the impact one individual can have in promoting early detection and supporting research for future generations.
