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deCODEme analyzes your DNA and provides you with a personalized risk assessment for prostate cancer.

The deCODEme genetic risk test helps you determine your life-time risk of developing prostate cancer.

At deCODEme, your genetic test for prostate cancer is based on the best science available

Genetics contribute significantly to prostate cancer risk

Genetic variants are a significant contributor to the risk of developing prostate cancer; in fact, of all cancer types, prostate cancer is most closely linked to genetic risk factors. There are twenty-five genetic variants that are known to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer: seven on chromosome 8 (five of those in the 8q24 region), two on each of the following chromosomes: 2, 3, 7, 11, 17 and 19 and one on each of the following chromosomes: 4, 5, 6, 10, 22 and X.

The deCODEme Genetic Scan identifies all the twenty-five variants listed above and uses them to provide customers of European descent with a personalized interpretation of their genetic risk for developing prostate cancer. For African-Americans, the deCODEme Genetic Scan currently provides a personalized genetic risk interpretation using two variants on chromosome 8 for which scientific risk data are available.

At present, the necessary scientific information to interpret the genetic risk for individuals of other ethnicities is not available. This information will be added as soon as it becomes available and we are assured of its quality.

The deCODEme genetic test for prostate cancer is a risk test

It is important to understand that the deCODEme genetic test for prostate cancer is a risk test. As such, it tells you how your personal genetics compare to the genetics of large numbers of people in published studies on the genetics of prostate cancer. The deCODEme genetic scan is not a diagnostic test, in that it cannot tell you whether you already have prostate cancer, nor can it tell you whether you will, or will not, develop prostate cancer in the future. What the deCODEme genetic risk test can do is help you determine your life-time risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to the average risk within the population to which you belong. (See here for an example of what your genetic test results could look like).

An estimate of overall risk becomes more accurate when genetic risk is included

Having a higher than average genetic risk of prostate cancer does not mean that one will necessarily develop the disease; just as having a lower than average prostate cancer risk does not eliminate the possibility of developing the disease. An estimate of overall risk however, becomes more accurate when genetic risk is included. Although 25 genetic variants have already been found to associate with prostate cancer, not all prostate cancer genes are known, others may be identified in the future. Also, yet other genetic variants may be found that associate with reduced risk of prostate cancer.

The important message is that those who are at higher than average genetic risk of prostate cancer and have other known risk factors, may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening tests for prostate cancer. By understanding inherited risk, you and your doctor will have a clearer picture of your overall risk of prostate cancer, and have better information on which to base decisions about preventive actions.

This content was last reviewed on February 09, 2010.

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