Prostate Cancer: Understanding Your Risk Factors

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among American men, with 10% developing the disease at some point in their lifetime, most after the age of 50. Nearly 250,000 men in the United States are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and about 2 million live with the disease at any given time.¹ Understanding the risk factors for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. While some risk factors are beyond our control, being aware of them can help you make informed decisions about your health and screening options.

Age: The Primary Risk Factor

As men grow older, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases significantly.²

• The risk begins to rise rapidly after age 50
• Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65
• By age 80, more than half of all men will have some cancerous cells in their prostate

Family History and Genetics

Your family's medical history plays a significant role in determining your prostate cancer risk.³

• Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles your risk
• The risk increases further if multiple close relatives have been diagnosed
• Certain inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can also increase the risk

Race and Ethnicity

• African American men have the highest risk of prostate cancer
• They are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and with more aggressive forms of the disease
• Asian American and American Indian men generally have the lowest risk of prostate cancer ¹

Lifestyle Factors

While less influential than age, race, and genetics, certain lifestyle choices may impact your prostate cancer risk.⁴

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer
• Diet: A diet high in red meat and dairy products may slightly increase risk
• Exercise: Regular physical activity might help reduce risk

Taking Action

While you can't change factors like age, race, or family history, there are steps you can take to manage your prostate cancer risk:

1. Regular Screening: Discuss with your doctor when to start prostate cancer screening
2. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet
3. Know Your History: Be aware of your family's medical history
4. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research on prostate cancer prevention

Having one or more risk factors doesn’t guarantee that you will develop prostate cancer, just as some men with no known risk factors may still be diagnosed with the disease. The important thing is to stay informed, keep an open dialogue with your healthcare provider, and make choices that prioritize your health and well-being.

Resources

1. Chesapeake Urology, Prostate Cancer. Available at https://www.unitedurology.com/conditions-treatments/for-men/prostate-cancer/
2. Cancer Research UK, Risks and causes of prostate cancer. Available at https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/risks-causes
3. Fox Chase Cancer Center, Prostate Cancer: Could your Genes Raise your Risk? Available at https://www.foxchase.org/blog/prostate-cancer-could-your-genes-raise-your-risk
4. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Environmental Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer in Overburdened, Understudied Population. Available at https://blog.nimhd.nih.gov/archives-2022/news_feed/environmental-risk-factors-for-prostate-cancer-in-overburdened-understudied-population