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Genetic Testing

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User
Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 23:43

I’ve recently been diagnosed with Gleason 9 PCa T3bN1Mx and I’m waiting for a PET scan and then hormone treatment.

I’m 56 and my oncologist has recommended Genetic testing due to my age and type of aggressive cancer.

Has anyone had this testing? I’m assuming this is merely a blood test at the GP?

I have many siblings and myself and siblings have children that could be affected by a mutated BRCA gene. I’m assuming they would need to have testing and monitoring if I have this mutation?

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 13:40
I read that new studies suggest or might suggest that some mutations make patients exquisitely sensitive to HT. And possibly for longer duration although I am not sure about this. I guess this knowledge will come along in the next few years because I think sequencing is part of many clinical trials and also routine at some centers in the USA. I wonder if the Halda trial Phil1969 is on does sequencing. I also just went to the Halda trial website and it looks like they could recruit for earlier stages soon if not already although I do not know about the one UK site. Most sites are in the USA. I would like to try to get my husband tested at least for BRCA in case olaparib could be an option in the future.
User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 07:46

Hi, Lee.

For the past three years, I've been a regular on the forum. I recall a few conversations mentioning genetic testing for BRCA 1 and 2 variants, but can't remember if anyone on the forum has actually been tested?

Here's a link to our site's information on the subject.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/are-you-at-risk/brca-genes-and-prostate-cancer-risk

 

Edited by member 18 Oct 2026 at 07:56  | Reason: Add link

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 09:29

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Many thanks.

No problem, mate. 👍

I have quite a strong family history of PCa. My dad and my younger brother had it. I have two sons in their forties and advised them to get themselves checked out.

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 09:34
Hi LeeB. My husband had genetic testing which was done from the tissue they took at biopsy. Unfortunatley he was negative but at least it was tested. I had asked the oncologist for his test.
User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 11:05

I was tested for 2 research projects. I had a saliva test and a sample of my tumor was also tested. But I think a blood test is also often done. All pretty straightforward. 

Some of the newer drugs (Olaparib?) are targeted at those with BRCA mutations. So testing may guide treatment. 

Most men with PCa don't have BRCA mutations. I didn't and that provided some reassurance for me as it increases kids risk of breast and prostate cancer if they inherit it.

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 11:14

P.s. if you were BRCA positive and told your wider family, I guess they'd have to decide for themselves whether to get tested or not. I'm not sure if it would be done on the NHS.

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User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 07:46

Hi, Lee.

For the past three years, I've been a regular on the forum. I recall a few conversations mentioning genetic testing for BRCA 1 and 2 variants, but can't remember if anyone on the forum has actually been tested?

Here's a link to our site's information on the subject.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/are-you-at-risk/brca-genes-and-prostate-cancer-risk

 

Edited by member 18 Oct 2026 at 07:56  | Reason: Add link

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 08:54

Many thanks.  I’m going to see if I can get a GP appointment to discuss this further and hopefully either get a blood test or referral for genetic testing.

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 09:29

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Many thanks.

No problem, mate. 👍

I have quite a strong family history of PCa. My dad and my younger brother had it. I have two sons in their forties and advised them to get themselves checked out.

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 09:34
Hi LeeB. My husband had genetic testing which was done from the tissue they took at biopsy. Unfortunatley he was negative but at least it was tested. I had asked the oncologist for his test.
User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 11:05

I was tested for 2 research projects. I had a saliva test and a sample of my tumor was also tested. But I think a blood test is also often done. All pretty straightforward. 

Some of the newer drugs (Olaparib?) are targeted at those with BRCA mutations. So testing may guide treatment. 

Most men with PCa don't have BRCA mutations. I didn't and that provided some reassurance for me as it increases kids risk of breast and prostate cancer if they inherit it.

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 11:14

P.s. if you were BRCA positive and told your wider family, I guess they'd have to decide for themselves whether to get tested or not. I'm not sure if it would be done on the NHS.

User
Posted 18 Oct 2026 at 13:40
I read that new studies suggest or might suggest that some mutations make patients exquisitely sensitive to HT. And possibly for longer duration although I am not sure about this. I guess this knowledge will come along in the next few years because I think sequencing is part of many clinical trials and also routine at some centers in the USA. I wonder if the Halda trial Phil1969 is on does sequencing. I also just went to the Halda trial website and it looks like they could recruit for earlier stages soon if not already although I do not know about the one UK site. Most sites are in the USA. I would like to try to get my husband tested at least for BRCA in case olaparib could be an option in the future.
User
Posted 19 Oct 2026 at 08:15

Hi,

I was offered genetic testing and took it. Initially it was a saliva test, though they couldn't complete all the tests using that so a follow up blood sample was taken.

I wanted to know as I have two boys, and also a twin sister so it had potential impacts for them. Luckily my tests all came back with no mutations

 

all the best

John

User
Posted 20 Oct 2026 at 23:09

Hi Lee

I was diagnosed in 2024 at 43 and genetic testing was offered after the prostatectomy. After an initial consultation with the genetics team I had a blood test which found a variant in the CHEK2 gene. This gene has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer (more so in women but a slight increase also for men). It’s an inherited gene from one parent, unfortunately my mother died from cancer 18 years ago and so my father is the only one that can now be tested. We’re just awaiting his results, he was also diagnosed with prostate cancer 11 years ago and so it’s not obvious which side of the family this has come from. My sister has also agreed to be tested, if she is also a carrier then she will be entitled to more regular cancer screening. I have two young boys who will now be entitled to testing when they become adults. 

Best wishes 

Jamie 

User
Posted 26 Oct 2026 at 12:59

Many thanks for all the responses.

I've been referred to a genetics team at Northampton to complete the test.  I think it’s more relevant as I had a niece aged 30 with oesophageal cancer and a brother who was diagnosed with bladder cancer at 59.

 

my PET scan revealed that both lymph nodes in the pelvic area have cancer, but it remains in the pelvic area.  I’m on Relugolix and will be having the other other meds which include another hormone drug and steroids in a week or so time.  Radiotherapy is anticipated in February or sooner.

What a journey this is…

 

Thanks again for your responses, they are really helpful.

 

Kind regards,

Lee

User
Posted 04 Nov 2026 at 21:27

Further to my last, I’ve now been referred to Northwick Park Hospital for genetic testing.  Still waiting for an appointment, but things are progressing quite quickly now.

 
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