More than 165,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the country. It is difficult to predict who is more likely to develop prostate cancer. However, an understanding of the risk factors of prostate cancer is imperative to help prevent the possibility of developing it. Screenings on a regular basis will help detect cancer early.

Prostate cancer develops when mutations occur in the DNA of the cells in the prostate, a gland found in men. In most cases, the mutated cells are either destroyed by the immune system or die. However, when some mutated cells remain unaffected by the immune system and grow uncontrollably, it leads to prostate cancer. Though the specific reason for the development of the cancer is unknown, the chances of developing it increase significantly with age. This article presents an overview on the risk factors for prostate cancer:

1. Age

The ratio of developing prostate cancer is 1:10,000 in men under the age of 40, while the ratio becomes 1:15 when men are aged 60. The most significant risk factor for prostate cancer is a person’s age. However, as one grows older, the disease becomes less aggressive, especially after age 70. The risk also becomes higher if affected family members developed the disease before the age of 65.

2. Race

Hispanic or Caucasian men have lesser chances of developing prostate cancer as compared to men of African American descent. Japanese and African men residing in their native countries have low rates of prostate cancer. It is not known why race is a risk factor for prostate cancer. Though more men of African American descent are diagnosed with cancer, there are fewer deaths. The reason for this could be better healthcare. Biological reasons are yet to be established by researchers.

3. Genetics

A person with a direct relative, such as a father or a brother, who has suffered from prostate cancer has a higher possibility of developing cancer. If more than one family member is diagnosed with prostate cancer, then family history becomes a significant risk factor for prostate cancer. Several inherited genes increase the risk.

4. Diet

The chances of developing cancer increases in men who consume a diet rich in saturated fats and are obese. A diet comprising of more carbohydrates and processed foods coupled with little or no exercise will also mean poor health overall, thus aggravating the risk potential.

5. Testosterone levels

An increase in the levels of testosterone promotes the growth of the prostate gland. Men who undergo testosterone therapy are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

6. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)

This is a condition where the cells of the prostate gland look abnormal under the microscope. Though they may not directly indicate the presence of cancer, they increase the risk of prostate cancer.

7. Other factors

Some other factors that are potential risk factors for prostate cancer include less time spent in the sun, smoking, and exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium.