Prostate Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors

Prostate cancer is a very serious disease, 35,000 men every year develop it. While no one knows exactly what causes it many believe there are risk factors for getting it. 5% of prostate cancer is caused by changes in the DNA. Others believe prostate cancer is caused due to high male hormones in the body called Androgens. However, not everyone who even has the risk of getting prostate cancer does, that's why its very important to check with your doctor if you suspect you may be at risk.

Some of the risk factors include:
Age: age is the largest risk factor for prostate cancer. After a man reaches age 50 his chances of getting the disease go up a lot. Nearly 2 out of every 3 men over age 65 will develop prostate cancer.

Race: No one is really sure why however prostate cancer seems to be more prevalent in African Americans. While Asian Americans and Hispanic/ Latino's rarely develop this disease.

Family History: The disease of prostate cancer seems to run in families if you are a male and your brother or father got prostate cancer then it is likely you will get it as well. Also if they got the disease young your chances are also greater.

Diet: Men who eat a lot of red-meat or dairy high in fat tend to get prostate cancer. Also these men usually consume less vegetables and fruits than other men do.

Obesity: I know what you're thinking; being "heavy" seems to be the doctor's answer to everything right? Well you may be right about this one. Most studies have NOT found a direct link to obesity and prostate cancer.

Exercise: on the same note as obesity, there have not been any proven studies to show that exercising will reduce, or eliminate the risk of getting prostate cancer. However getting your weight under control (no matter what size that may be) will certainly help you feel better and just that alone might affect weather or not you develop prostate cancer. Some studies though have shown that lots of physical activity in older men may lower the risk of advanced prostate cancer.

How do you know if you may have prostate cancer?

Well first of all unless you are a doctor please remember to get checked for prostate cancer if you have any of the below symptoms or if you have family history of having prostate cancer.

Symptoms:
- Difficulty in stating to urinate
- A weak or on and off flow of urine
- Dribbling or dripping before or after urinating
- A frequent need to urinate
- Pain while urinating
- Blood in the urine - Rare
- Erectile Dysfunction

(Please keep in mind only a doctor can diagnose prostate cancer, and that these symptoms are also common for other diseases that are not cancerous in the prostate. If you believe you may have prostate cancer go and see a doctor.)

Sources:

Bupa Prostate cancer

Web MD