Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Prostate cancer screenings make it possible to detect the cancer in early stages, before symptoms are present. Being aware of the risk factors can help you determine an appropriate prostate cancer screening schedule with your physician.
Prostate cancer risk factors
Some common risk factors for prostate cancer include:
GENERAL
Race: Studies show that African American men are approximately 60 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime than Caucasian or Hispanic men.
Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. While only one in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, one in 15 men in their 60s will be diagnosed with the disease.
GENETICS
Family history: Men with an immediate blood relative, such as a father or brother, who has or had prostate cancer, are twice as likely to develop the disease. If there is another family member diagnosed with the disease, the chances of getting prostate cancer increase.
LIFESTYLE
Diet: A diet high in saturated fat, as well as obesity, increases the risk of prostate cancer.
High testosterone levels: Men who use testosterone therapy are more likely to develop prostate cancer, as an increase in testosterone stimulates the growth of the prostate gland.
OTHER CONDITIONS
Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN): This condition may be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. PIN is a condition in which prostate gland cells look abnormal when examined with a microscope. It is not necessarily linked with any symptoms. Nearly one half of men will be diagnosed with PIN before age 50.
Genome changes: Certain genes have been known to elevate prostate cancer risks, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Learn about prostate cancer staging
Inherited risk for cancer
Researchers have identified some inherited gene mutations that are known to contribute to the development of certain types of cancer.
Tips for reducing your risk for cancer
Genomic tumor assessment
We use genomic tumor assessment to examine a patient's tumor on a genetic level. This innovative tool can help us find what's driving the cancer's growth and offer patients more precise treatment.
Learn more about genomic tumor assessment
Understanding risk factors
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
