Prostate Cancer May Not Run in Families: The Real Cost of Therapy

A new study from Sweden has questioned the link between prostate cancer diagnosis and family bonds. The theory in question was whether or not having a family member diagnosed with prostate cancer led to more screenings for the disease.

The research found that men whose father or brothers were diagnosed with the disease were more likely to have the disease themselves. The researchers concluded that while the tests may reveal this is true, the prominence of this information in tainted. Researchers believe that men whose family members had the disease were more likely to be tested, therefore creating the larger number of cases being diagnosed on a family basis. They believe more men may suffer from the disease but do not get tested because no family member has been diagnosed.

The research did conclude that family members tend to all carry the same disease patterns. However, they also found that the members of the family were often diagnosed with the disease within one month of the initial family members diagnosis. This proves their theory that the disease is caught more often when another family member suffers with the ailment.

The cost of treatment for prostate cancer varies considerably. The difference in treatment costs are based on what stage the cancer is in and what choice the man makes for treatment. Over a five year period costs range from the 10-30 thousand dollars. Treatment that includes multiple phases of treatment, such as chemo followed by hormones, can exceed the 50 thousand dollar mark in less than five years.