Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Learn More About Prostate Cancer Risk Factors: Chat with Us | Email Us
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
The likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases as age progresses. Only one in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, whereas one in 15 men in their sixties will be diagnosed with the disease. Other factors that may increase the risk of prostate cancer include:
- Racial disposition: Studies show that African American men are approximately 60 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime than are Caucasian or Hispanic men.
- A family history of prostate cancer: Men with an immediate-blood relative such as a father or brother, who have or had prostate cancer, are twice as likely to develop the disease. If there is another family member diagnosed with the disease the chances of getting prostate cancer increase twofold.
- Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN): This condition may be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. PIN is a condition in which prostate gland cells look abnormal when examined with a microscope. It is not necessarily linked with any symptoms. Nearly one half of men will be diagnosed with PIN before age 50.
- Genome changes: Certain genes elevate the risk of prostate cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- High testosterone levels: Men who use testosterone therapy are more likely to develop prostate cancer, as an increase in testosterone stimulates the growth of the prostate gland.
It is also suggested that a diet high in fat may increase the chance of developing certain types of cancer, prostate cancer included. Other possible risks are being studied such as tobacco use and sexually transmitted diseases. Simultaneously, researchers are examining how men can prevent prostate cancer by taking certain vitamins and supplements.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Next Topic: Prostate Cancer Symptoms
