Early Prostate Cancer Deaths in Men with High vs. Low Genetic Risk

A long-term study involving over 19,000 men from Sweden and the U.S. investigated how genetic risk and lifestyle choices impact early prostate cancer deaths. The research, conducted from 1991 to 2019, found that men with higher genetic risk—determined by a polygenic risk score or family history—accounted for 94 out of 107 early prostate cancer deaths.

These men had more than three times the risk of dying from prostate cancer before age 75 compared to those with lower genetic risk. However, the study also revealed that adopting a healthy lifestyle could significantly reduce this risk. Behaviors such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet were associated with a 22% to 36% reduction in early prostate cancer deaths among high-risk men.

The findings suggest that while genetics plays a significant role, lifestyle modifications can substantially lower the risk of early prostate cancer mortality. Therefore, targeted prevention strategies focusing on men with high genetic risk, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and ensuring access to early detection and treatment could effectively reduce premature deaths from prostate cancer.

JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Jul PMID: 38958976