Dr. Giri on Increasing Awareness of Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer

Veda N. Giri, MD, associate professor, director, Jefferson Clinical Cancer Genetics Service, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, discusses the increasing need for genetic counseling among men at risk of developing prostate cancer.

Genetic testing has gained traction in prostate cancer, and it is important to continue raising awareness about its necessity in men with a family history of cancer, says Giri. For example, men with a family history of breast cancer are at risk of developing prostate cancer. As such, these men should be considered for genetic testing.

A patient’s family may also require genetic testing to gauge familial risk of prostate cancer, says Giri. As such, testing results should be communicated with more than just the patient themselves to see whether additional testing is necessary.

Now, targeted education strategies are engaging urologists and oncologists. Though, it will be important to engage primary care physicians (PCPs) as well, says Giri. Educating PCPs on the importance of genetic testing is the next critical step to ensure patients are aware of the hereditary component of prostate cancer, concludes Giri.