14 January 2025
This article was originally published in The Australian online.
A groundbreaking study funded by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) has found that genetic testing the first-degree relatives of men with prostate cancer could be a cost-effective way to save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
The study, published by the University of Queensland, highlights the critical role of genetic testing and counselling in identifying family members who may carry hereditary risk factors for prostate cancer and other common cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows that prostate cancer now accounts for 16 percent of all cancer diagnoses in Australia, with more than 26,000 Australian men newly diagnosed each year, equivalent to 72 men each day. Tragically, nearly 11 men die from the disease every 24 hours.
The study’s senior author, Professor Haitham Tuffaha, emphasised the significance of genetic testing for precision medicine and early intervention.
“Genetic mutations in DNA can be inherited, meaning these mutations can affect not only patients but their family members as well,” Professor Tuffaha said.
“Our research demonstrates that expanding genetic testing to include close family members can amplify health benefits, allowing early detection and preventive action. This approach is not only cost-effective, but essential for helping more Australians stay ahead of this disease.”
The research also revealed that genetic testing of men with advanced prostate cancer could enable targeted treatments, which reduce the risks associated with conventional therapies like chemotherapy.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, said genetic testing of first-degree male and female relatives could save lives.
“It is a little-known fact that the genetic mutations that cause some breast and ovarian cancers can also increase men’s risks of prostate cancer, and that those genes can be passed on by fathers to their daughters,” she said.
“The findings of this research reinforce the benefits of making routine genetic testing and counselling available to men with prostate cancer, particularly for men with intermediate and high-risk forms of the disease.
“This study proves that access to subsidised genetic testing for families impacted by prostate cancer would deliver substantial health and economic benefits, allowing us to take preventive action on the country’s leading causes of cancer-related death.”
PCFA runs Australia’s only dedicated Prostate Cancer Counselling Service, in addition to funding more than 110 specialist prostate cancer nurses who can help men and families understand their genetic risks of prostate cancer.
For more information, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.pcfa.org.au
Image Above: Professor Haitham Tuffaha (Credit: University of Queensland).
