Would you like to know if you’re at increased risk for prostate cancer? Or at what age you should start checking for it? These are common questions, and they are important when it comes to early prostate cancer detection. Many men don’t realize that even if they have no family history of prostate cancer, they could still be at higher risk for prostate cancer due to their genetics. 

We are excited to chat with Dr. Brian Helfand today! Dr. Helfand is an international expert on prostate cancer genetics, and in today’s episode, he will be answering these frequently asked questions and more, so stay tuned! 

Dr. Brian Helfand is Chief of the Division of Urology at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Chicago. He is also an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago, and he received his medical training and Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics from Northwestern University. He is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist who has focused his research career on prostate cancer. He has received multiple grants from the NIH and has published over 140 peer-reviewed manuscripts. His current research goals focus on germline and genetic variations and mutations. He organized the first personalized prostate cancer clinic in the United States with a mission to implement genetic-based information to help guide prostate cancer screening and treatment decisions for patients and their family members. Be sure to listen in today to find out all you need to know about early prostate cancer detection.

Disclaimer: The Prostate Health Podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as medical advice. By listening to the podcast, no physician-patient relationship has been formed. For more information and counseling, you must contact your personal physician or urologist with questions about your unique situation. 

Show highlights:

• Dr. Helfand discusses the known risk factors for men developing prostate cancer.
• The age that Dr. Helfand recommends men should start screening for prostate cancer.
• Dr. Halfand explains whether or not answering the questions regarding his family history is adequate in determining a man’s genetic risk for prostate cancer when he goes to see a urologist.
• Dr. Helfand gives a detailed explanation of what doctors take into account when looking at a man’s risk determination for prostate cancer.
• Dr. Helfand talks about whether the prostate cancer genetic risk score works with the PSA or replaces the PSA. 
• What the prostate cancer genetic risk score means in terms of a man’s need for prostate cancer screening.
• Dr. Helfand explains who the ideal candidates are for prostate cancer genetic risk testing.
• Dr. Halfand talks about whether or not a man’s genetic risk score changes over time.
• The kind of sample that gets used currently for genetic risk score testing.

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Dr. Brial Helfand’s profile on the Northshore University website