Prostate cancer is an incredibly common type of cancer in men that can easily be overlooked due to its lack of warning signs. Fortunately, you can learn everything you need to know about prostate cancer with a search online right now, which could help you spot early symptoms.
Occurence in Men
Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer that affects an estimated one in eight men during their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, only behind lung cancer. Approximately, one in 41 men will die of prostate cancer. While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, there are several risk factors that have been identified that can increase a man’s chances of developing the disease.
Age
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as a man gets older. While only about 1 in 456 men under age 50 will be diagnosed, 1 in 54 for ages 50 to 59, 1 in 19 for ages 60 to 69, and 1 in 11 for men 70 and older will get the disease. Approximately 60% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. It is rare, though not impossible, for men under the age of 40 to develop prostate cancer.
Family History
Men who have a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease. Men who have a father, brother, or son with prostate cancer are two to three times more likely to develop the disease themselves. The risk is even higher for men with several relatives who have had prostate cancer.
Race and Ethnicity
Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in men of other races. According to the American Cancer Society, African American men are about more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. Additionally, prostate cancer tends to be more aggressive in African American men.
Diet
A diet high in fat, red meat, and dairy products may increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. On the other hand, a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of developing the disease.
Obesity
Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for developing prostate cancer. Obese men are more likely to develop aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The exact reason for this link is not fully understood, but it is thought that excess body fat may increase the levels of certain hormones, such as insulin and estrogen, which can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Additionally, obesity has been associated with chronic inflammation, which may also contribute to the development and progression of prostate cancer.
Smoking
There is conflicting evidence on the link between smoking and prostate cancer. Some studies have found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, while other studies have not found a link. However, tobacco smoke containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be a contributing factor.
Alcohol
There is some evidence to suggest that heavy alcohol consumption may increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. It is thought that men who consume more than three drinks per day may have an increased risk of developing the disease.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Some studies have found that certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, may increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer because they can lead to inflammation of the prostate. However, there isn’t a consensus on whether STIs are or aren’t a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Exposure to Chemicals
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as heavy metals (like cadmium), hormone and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and some pesticides, may increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Cadmium, for example, is a metal that is found in some batteries and is also used in the production of some plastics.
Physical Inactivity
A lack of physical activity has been linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Men who engage in regular physical activity may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Start Taking Steps for Prevention
While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, understanding the risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the disease is an important step in early detection and prevention. By making lifestyle changes, men can take steps to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.
Start a search to learn more about this disease, and talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and to get regular screenings to detect prostate cancer early. It’s time to take your health into your own hands and learn all you can about your risk factors for prostate cancer.