This shows that the following factors are associated with a poorer overall survival: germline BRCA2 mutation status, tumour (T), nodal (N) and metastasis (M) stage, tumour detected clinically rather than by PSA screening, higher Gleason score, treatment that did not involve prostatectomy, PSA at diagnosis of ⩾25 ng ml−1 and age >55 years at diagnosis. The gene discussed is BRCA2; the disease is neoplasm.