Prostate Cancer Facts: Risk Factors
While any man is at risk of developing prostate cancer, some men are at a higher
risk than others. There are certain things that may increase your risk of prostate
cancer. Most of these risk factors
, like age, race and family history, cannot be
avoided. However, you do have control over certain lifestyle risk factors, like
eating habits.
Known Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
- Age: Your risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially
when you pass age 50. About 67% of prostate cancer cases occur in men older than
age 65.
- Race and Nationality: Black men have an increased risk of
prostate cancer. Additionally, black men are more likely than men of other races
to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
Hispanic men and white men have a similar risk of prostate cancer, and Asian men
are less likely than white men to develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer occurs
more in North America and northwestern Europe than in Asia, Central American, Africa
and South America.
- Family History of Prostate Cancer: If you have a history of
prostate cancer in your family, you are at an increased risk of prostate cancer.
If you have a brother or father who has had prostate cancer, your risk is more than
doubled. This risk is even higher if you have multiple relatives who have had prostate
cancer, and if any of your relatives developed prostate cancer at an early age.
- Genetic Factors: Inheriting certain gene mutations
(changes)
may increase your risk of prostate cancer. Genetic testing is not available yet
for these prostate cancer genes.
- Eating Habits: If you consume a lot of high-fat dairy products
or red meat but little fruits and vegetables, you may have an increased risk of
prostate cancer.
Uncertain Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
- Calcium Intake: Some research studies have shown that men
who consume a lot of calcium may have a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer.
However, most studies have found this to be untrue in men consuming average amounts
of calcium. And, it is important to consider the health benefits of calcium.
- Vasectomy: Some research studies have shown that men who have
had vasectomies
may have a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer. Research
on this link between vasectomies and prostate cancer is ongoing, and recent studies
have not found a connection.
- Overweight: In most studies, exercise has not been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk. A recent study from Harvard School of Public Health, however, found that men over age 65 who exercise vigorously had a lower rate of prostate cancer.
Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer
There is no proven way to prevent prostate cancer. However, there are things you
may be able to do to reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
- Improving Eating Habits: Limiting your consumption of red
meats, high-fat meats and processed meats may help decrease your risk of prostate
cancer. Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and increasing your
consumption of grains, cereals, breads, pasta, rice and beans also may help. Plus,
eating more tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit - which have antioxidants
may help prevent DNA
damage and decrease your risk of prostate cancer.
- Medications: Certain prescription drugs may help decrease
your risk of prostate cancer. These drugs are still being tested in ongoing research
studies, so it is important to discuss these drugs with your doctor.
Since there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, it is important to get regular
screening to try and catch prostate cancer early. Learn more about early detection
on our
Prostate Cancer Facts: Screening And Early Detection page.
