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Background and purpose: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases among men. The role of heredity in prostate cancer has been proved by epidemiologic studies. By utilization of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam (DRE) we could diagnose the disease before the clinical manifestation and implement screening programs. The purpose of this study was to screen the prostate cancer in individuals over 40 years of age who were first degree relatives of prostate cancer patients. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in relatives of confirmed prostate cancer patients during 2010-2011 in Babol. After giving verbal informed consent, 103 individuals (brothers and sons) were recruited. We examined PSA and DRE during the screening program. Quadrant biopsies were performed if the PSA level was greater than 4 ng/ml or DRE was suspicious. Results: The participants aged between 40-60 years old and the mean age was 51± 8.88. The screening tests results showed that 15 cases were abnormal in which six cases (5.8%) had a PSA level of greater than 4 ng/ml, six (5.8%) had a suspicious DRE and 2.9% were found with suspicious findings on both tests. At the second stage of the study, biopsy was done for those who had abnormal screening results. However, eight people refused to continue the study and the biopsy was taken from others. According to pathology results, malignancy was confirmed in three cases and the detection rate of prostate cancer was 2.9% (95% CI: 0-6.1). Conclusion: Our results emphasize the usefulness of PSA and DRE to detect early prostate cancer in high risk families.

Keywords: Screening, prostate cancer, prostate specific antigen, family history

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