The Genetics of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It most often occurs in men over age 65. This cancer is more common in black men than white men. Studies have found more than 30 gene changes (variants) associated with prostate cancer risk. But these variants only account for a small part of a man’s risk for prostate cancer. More genes are likely involved. In this project, researchers will use BioVU to study gene variants associated with prostate cancer. They will compare the DNA of men with prostate cancer to healthy men. They hope to confirm the variants identified in earlier studies. Their findings will be combined with data from other research groups. This may help to identify new gene variants associated with this cancer.