Many people think of prostate cancer as a problem that mostly affects older men. However, even younger males may find themselves experiencing this disease. That's because a genetic predisposition and a family history of this cancer may doom them to recidivism. Thankfully, MRI scans can help.

Genetics Increase Prostate Cancer Risk

Some families seem like they are prone to prostate cancer or other types of tumors and, unfortunately, this perception may be based in reality. Often, cancer is a very genetic problem and can become an issue if mutated genes are passed down from father to son. When this happens, a father who had prostate cancer (and whose father had prostate cancer, etc.) may have a son with a much higher risk of this disease. Sadly, that son may not even realize this danger or ignore it due to their relative youth.

Even worse, prostate cancer may start out very small and very early in those with a genetic predisposition. The tumor may be very small and grow slowly, which makes it tougher to diagnose because they may not show symptoms for ages. And suddenly, in their 40s or 50s, they have an inoperable tumor that threatens their lives. Thankfully, this problem can be prepared for MRI scans.

How an MRI Can Help

Those with a genetic history of prostate cancer may want to get an MRI scan to diagnose their potential risk. These scans can check out the inside of their bodies and look for any potential problems. For example, a polyp in the testicles may just be a normal and healthy non-cancerous growth that can be removed or which may go away. Or it may be a pre-cancerous tumor ready to spread.

As an early diagnosis of any type of cancer is critical, these scans certainly can't hurt. And while adult men over the age of 40 or 50 should be getting regular prostate examinations, younger men with a history of prostate cancer may want to start with MRI scans even earlier. Though it isn't common, men developing these tumors in their 30s can happen, even if they are quite small. But even small tumors can become a big problem.

Therefore, anybody with this type of family history should consider an MRI scan right away. Even those in their 20s who've never shown any potential symptoms of cancer may want to get a scan. Doing so can spot early warning signs of potentially cancerous tumors and ensure that nothing bad happens to them as they get older.

Reach out to a medical professional for prostate cancer MRI screening.

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