This November, in conjunction with the Movember movement, which strives to heighten awareness on men’s health issues, we shine the spotlight on prostate cancer, the second most common cancer affecting men worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. A promising advancement in this area is DNA or genetic analysis, which can provide critical insights into one’s prostate cancer risk.

Your risk for a myriad of health conditions may be written in your genes, which is why doctors will usually ask about your family’s medical history. Families can carry and pass on gene variants that raise your risk for certain cancers. Some people inherit mutations in select genes, including BRCA2, MSH2, MHS6, MLH1, PMS2 and HOXB13, which could increase their risk of prostate cancer. A genetic analysis can help to seek out these mutations.

ExâGene, an extensive DNA lifestyle genetic analysis offered by Danai Medi-Wellness, provides you with comprehensive insights into your genetic makeup, including carrier status for certain diseases, risk for conditions like cancer, metabolism, skin conditions and other personal traits. 

The testing is conducted in an accredited laboratory that adheres to international quality standards to ensure accurate results. We also have a team of medical professionals, including physicians and nutritionists who can help you understand your results better and guide you to effectively optimise your health outcome.

Facilitate early detection by increasing the frequency of preventive screenings
If you don’t have prostate cancer, but have a gene mutation that raises your risk, your doctor might recommend that you start getting prostate cancer screening tests at a younger age or have them more frequently than most men. 

Be more proactive in your daily life
You could take steps, such as lifestyle and diet modifications to lower your risk. Also be more aware of possible signs and symptoms of cancer, so you can consult with your healthcare provider earlier if you have any of the symptoms.

Help your family be more informed
The cancer-related genetic mutations are passed down from parents to their children. If you have a mutation, one of your parents has it, too. By extension, their siblings, your siblings and your children could also have it. Inform them about the gene mutation so they can choose to have genetic testing as well. This information could help them, too.

If the gene testing does not reveal a gene mutation, this could reassure you. However, do note that not having an inherited gene mutation does not mean that you have a zero risk of getting prostate cancer. You will still have about the same risk as most other men, so please make sure that you continue to undergo regular health screenings.

Want to know how ExâGene can help you and your family? Drop us a line to find out more.