Genes Associated with Prostate Cancer
These genes are associated with prostate cancer risk—but having them doesn't determine your fate.
Important context
These genes don't cause prostate cancer. They reveal which pathways might need extra support. Most men with these variants never develop prostate cancer. Environment, lifestyle, and metabolic health determine whether genetic risk becomes reality.
The genes.
Organized by function, not by how scary they sound.
DNA Repair
These genes help fix DNA damage. Variants can mean slower repair, not inevitable cancer.
BRCA1/BRCA2
Double-strand break repairOften discussed with breast cancer, but also increases prostate cancer risk. Affects DNA repair capacity.
ATM
DNA damage responseSenses DNA damage and coordinates repair. Variants slow the response, not eliminate it.
CHEK2
Cell cycle checkpointPauses cell division to allow repair. Variants may allow damaged cells to proceed.
MSH2/MLH1
Mismatch repair (Lynch syndrome)Fixes errors during DNA replication. Part of Lynch syndrome panel.
Hormone Metabolism
Prostate tissue is hormone-sensitive. These genes affect how hormones are made, used, and cleared.
AR
Androgen receptorHow prostate cells respond to testosterone and DHT. CAG repeat length affects sensitivity.
SRD5A2
5-alpha reductaseConverts testosterone to DHT. DHT is more potent in prostate tissue.
CYP17A1
Steroid hormone synthesisKey enzyme in making androgens. Affects overall hormone levels.
Detoxification
These genes help clear toxins and metabolize compounds. Slower clearance = longer exposure.
GSTP1
Glutathione conjugationDetoxifies carcinogens. Often silenced (methylated) in prostate cancer tissue.
CYP1B1
Estrogen and toxin metabolismMetabolizes estrogens and environmental toxins. Some metabolites are more harmful.
Vitamin D & Immune
Vitamin D signaling affects cell growth and immune function in prostate tissue.
VDR
Vitamin D receptorHow cells respond to vitamin D. Affects growth regulation and immune function.
Prostate Development
Genes specifically involved in prostate tissue development and maintenance.
HOXB13
Prostate developmentTranscription factor for prostate development. G84E variant is a known risk factor.
What actually matters.
Genes load the gun. Environment pulls the trigger. Here's what modifies genetic risk.
Inflammation
Chronic prostate inflammation (prostatitis) is a consistent risk factor. Diet, infections, and lifestyle all contribute.
Hormone Balance
It's not just testosterone—the ratio of testosterone to estrogen, DHT levels, and hormone metabolism all matter.
Insulin & Metabolic Health
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are associated with more aggressive prostate cancer.
Vitamin D Status
Low vitamin D is consistently associated with higher risk. VDR variants matter more when vitamin D is low.
Oxidative Stress
The prostate is vulnerable to oxidative damage. Antioxidant capacity affects tissue health.
Diet & Lifestyle
Cruciferous vegetables, lycopene, omega-3s, and physical activity all influence risk through multiple pathways.
"Genes don't cause prostate cancer. They show which pathways need support to prevent it."← Back to all genes