Prostate Cancer: Risk Factors and Causes

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in America. In fact, it's the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting 1 in 6 men.

Age is the most important risk factor in determining your risk of developing prostate cancer. Under the age of 40, only 1 in 10,000 men will be diagnosed. As you age, your risk increases, to 1 in 38 for the ages of 40-59, and to 1 in 15 for the ages of 60-69. More than 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.

While age is important, it is not the only risk factor for developing prostate cancer. Race also plays its part, with African American men being the most at risk of both developing prostate cancer (61% more likely to develop it than Caucasian men) and the risk of dying from the disease (2.5 times more likely than Caucasian counterparts).

Family history plays its part as well. Men with a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) with a history of prostate cancer are 2 times as likely to develop the condition. Those with 2 or more relatives with a history of prostate cancer are nearly 4 times as likely to be diagnosed. If a family member was diagnosed before 60 years of age, it increases risks even further.

Diet and lifestyle may increase or decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer. Cigarette smoking is thought to increase your risk, as is having a diet that is high in saturated fat. In all phases of life, it is important to make healthy food choices and exercise for your health.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis have not been shown to increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

As for causes of prostate cancer, scientists are not sure of the cause. Scientists look at risk factors to determine if there are patterns that can lead to the cause. They are also looking into possible causes such as environmental toxins, chemicals, and industrial products, as well as testosterone's influence on one's risk of developing prostate cancer.

It is important to get regular PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests as you get older. Many doctors encourage yearly screening for men over the age of 50, but if a man has a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, some doctors begin screening at age 40. Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing prostate cancer and about when screening should begin.

Sources

medicinenet.com

prostatecancerfoundation.org