Familial Prostate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Familial Prostate Cancer?
A urologist usually treats prostate cancer. Primary care doctors handle first screening tests and refer men when needed. Care may also involve radiation and medical oncologists. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is familial prostate cancer?
Familial prostate cancer is prostate cancer that runs in families. The prostate is a small gland in men that helps make semen. When a man has several close relatives who had prostate cancer, doctors call it familial. This pattern suggests that shared genes, not just chance, play a role.
Prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate grow out of control. Doctors call it familial when it appears in a family more often than expected, without a clear inherited gene change.
Symptoms
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can include trouble urinating, blood in the urine or semen, or bone pain. Tests are needed to find the cause.
Causes and who gets it
In familial cases, DNA changes are shared within families. A father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk, which rises further with more affected relatives and younger diagnoses.
How doctors diagnose it
Screening usually starts with a PSA blood test, sometimes with a digital rectal exam. Doctors may order an MRI or biopsy. Men with a strong family history often start screening younger.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how fast the cancer is growing, the man's age and health, and his preferences. Slow-growing cancers may be watched with active surveillance; faster ones may need surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for trouble urinating, blood in urine or semen, or lasting lower back or hip pain. Sudden inability to urinate needs urgent care.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
Direct primary care doctors charge a flat monthly fee; concierge doctors usually charge more and often work alongside insurance. They can order PSA tests and refer to a urologist when needed.
Common questions
Does familial prostate cancer mean I will definitely get cancer?
No. A family history raises risk, but it does not guarantee that any one person will develop the disease. Many men with a strong family history never get prostate cancer. Talking with a doctor about screening can help you understand your situation.
Should I get genetic testing?
Some men with strong family histories may benefit from genetic testing. This kind of testing looks at DNA for inherited changes linked to cancer. A doctor or a genetic counselor can help decide if testing makes sense. The decision depends on the family pattern and other personal factors.
At what age should men with a family history start screening?
Many guidelines suggest that men at higher risk start talking about screening in their 40s, earlier than the general population. The exact age depends on how many relatives were affected and how young they were at diagnosis. A doctor can help build a personal plan.
Is prostate cancer always serious?
No. Many prostate cancers grow so slowly that they never cause harm during a man's life. Some, however, grow quickly and need prompt treatment. Testing helps doctors tell the difference, though results and best choices differ from person to person.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Prostate Cancer
- American Cancer Society - Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer Information and Overview
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
