Risk Factors
Researchers have identified several risk factors that increase a man’s chances of developing prostate cancer:
Age: Growing older is the strongest risk factor. Prostate cancer is rare in men under 40, but the risk rises sharply after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men age 65 or older.
Race/Ethnicity: Prostate cancer occurs more often in African American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races. It tends to develop at younger ages and be more aggressive in these groups. In contrast, it is less common in Asian American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic white men. The reasons for these differences are not fully understood.
Family History: Having a close relative with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing it. The risk is higher if an affected relative was diagnosed at a young age or if multiple relatives have had prostate cancer. Inherited genetic factors likely play a role in these familial cases.
Genetic Factors: Certain inherited gene mutations can increase risk. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (better known for breast and ovarian cancer risk) can also raise the risk of prostate cancer in men, particularly BRCA2 mutations. Men with Lynch syndrome (an inherited condition causing colorectal and other cancers) have a higher prostate cancer risk as well. Still, these genetic syndromes account for only a small percentage of cases.
Lifestyle Factors: Diet and other lifestyle choices might influence risk to some extent. Studies have suggested that a diet high in dairy products or calcium may be linked to a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer, though findings are not consistent. Obesity (excess body weight) does not appear to increase the overall chance of getting prostate cancer; in fact, some research found obesity correlates with fewer low-grade cancer diagnoses. However, obesity has been associated with a higher risk of more aggressive or advanced prostate cancers, and a greater risk of dying from prostate cancer. In general, maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle is recommended for overall health and may help lower the risk of aggressive disease.