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Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer
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Prostate cancer is rare in young men, but after age 45 to 50 the risk progressively increases. In the United States, a man has a one in six chance of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is usually slow-growing, and the causes of the disease are multifactorial.
A genetic link to prostate cancer exists. Men with a son, father or brother with prostate cancer have double the risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk is even higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young at the time of diagnosis. Scientists have identified several inherited genes that seem to increase prostate cancer risk, but they probably account for only a small fraction of cases. Genetic testing for these genes is not yet available.
Ethnic origin also plays a part: men of African heritage seem to be at highest risk, and men of Far Eastern descent the lowest. Men who are at higher risk (family history or African origin) are screened at an earlier age in order to find the cancer at its earliest stages, when the potential for cure is the highest.
There have been studies linking prostate cancer to a high animal fat and red meat diet. It may be possible to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by cutting down on dairy foods, red meats and other foods rich with unsaturated fats.
Exposure to certain agricultural pesticides may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. There is also a weak association between prostate cancer and cadmium exposure, Some studies have also linked a previous history of prostate infection to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
General Information
Prostate Cancer Screening & Prostate Biopsy
Grading and Staging of Prostate Cancer
Treatment Options for Early Stage Prostate Cancer
Treatment Options for Advanced Stage Prostate Cancer
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