New evidence has surfaced this week linking breast cancer with prostate cancer. According to a new study from the Women's Health Initiative, women with close male relatives (immediate family) are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Family History and Cancer

We know that genetics plays a big role in cancer development, but to see this study come out, which supports the results from a 1994 study from Journal of the National Cancer Institute. This is why screening is so important. Guidelines from  the U.S. Preventive Task Force Services are changing and now reinforcing screening for prostate cancer as much. 

This study brings to the surface the need to educate young men and women about their risk factors, in particular family history. 

Breast Cancer Risk Among Young Women

The study looked at more than 78,000 women over the age of 50. They began in 1993 and each woman was cancer-free. Most women remained in the study for more than 10 years.

• By 2009, there were 3,506 new breast cancer cases in the original group
• More than 11,000 had a first-degree relative - mother, sister or daughter - with breast cancer.
• More than 11% of women who developed breast cancer reported a first-degree relative with prostate cancer. 
• Having a father, brother or son with prostate cancer increased the risk of breast cancer by about 14%

Breast Cancer Screening Standards

With this study, we have a lot more to think about in regards to the link between breast and prostate cancer. The decision to increase breast cancer screening will depend on how many male relatives have bee diagnosed with prostate cancer and at what age. Some predict that diagnoses at young ages will be particularly telling.  

There is the possibility the the similar genes (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2) aren't the cause of this link. Critics of this study or notion may point out that the woman and her male relatives share the same environment, which could contain cancer-causing toxins. 

Bottom line: A full family history, including cancers in relatives of both genders, can help guide medical decisions, such as the appropriate time to begin screening.