Risks for Prostate Cancer
Thousands of research studies have been done with the goal of finding what causes prostate cancer. While no definitive, absolute causes have been found, these studies have provided us with a great deal of knowledge about what are the most important risk factors for this disease.
Three risk factors have been found that stand apart from the rest in terms of importance:
Age
Studies have shown that the single greatest risk factor for developing prostate cancer is age. In fact, over two-thirds of all prostate cancer patients are over the age of 65.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases quickly over the age of 50 in white men and over the age of 40 in black men. Prostate cancer is almost never seen in men under 40, but it is still possible.
Race
Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men than among all other racial groups that have been studied. African Americans are also more likely to have cancer that is already advanced when it is first diagnosed. Hispanic and Asian men have been found to have lower rates of prostate cancer than white men.
Interestingly, men who live in Africa do not show the same high rates of prostate cancer as African Americans. This suggests that an environmental component could explain why African Americans have higher rates.
Family History
Men with family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are themselves at higher risk. This risk is highest for men who have a brother who was diagnosed, followed closely by men who have a father who was diagnosed. The risk of prostate cancer is more than 100% higher in men with either a brother or father who is diagnosed when compared with men who have no family history
Additionally, it has been shown that men who have multiple, distantly-related family members (such as cousins or uncles) with prostate cancer also have a substantially higher risk.
Obviously, you can't do much about your age, race, or family history. You can however make certain lifestyle choices regarding diet and exercise that may help you to prevent prostate cancer. Also, being aware that your risk of prostate cancer is increased substantially if you have one of these risk factors encourage you to begin or continue yearly prostate cancer screening with your physician.
Sources:
Bostwick DG, Burke HB, Djakiew D, Euling S, Ho S, Landolph J, et al. Human prostate cancer risk factors. Cancer 2004;101(10 Suppl):2371–2490.
Patient Information. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). October 16, 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/Prostate/basic_info/risk_factors.htm.
