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Risk Factors
No one knows the exact causes of prostate cancer. Doctors often cannot explain
why one man develops prostate cancer and another does not. However, we do know
that prostate cancer is not contagious. You cannot "catch" it from another
person.
Research has shown that men with certain
risk factors
are more likely than
others to develop prostate cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase
the chance of developing a disease.
Studies have found the following risk factors for prostate cancer:
-
Age: Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. This disease is
rare in men younger than 45. The chance of getting it goes up sharply as a man
gets older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are older than
65.
-
Family history: A man's risk is higher if his father or brother had
prostate cancer.
-
Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in
white men, including Hispanic white men. It is less common in Asian and
American Indian men.
-
Certain prostate changes: Men with cells called high-grade
prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia
(PIN) may be at increased risk for prostate cancer.
These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.
-
Diet: Some studies suggest that men who eat a diet high in animal fat or
meat may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Men who eat a diet rich in
fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk. (More about diet studies is in
"The Promise of Cancer Research".)
Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history,
cannot be avoided. You can help protect yourself by staying away from known
risk factors whenever possible.
Scientists have also studied whether BPH, obesity, smoking, a
virus
passed
through sex, or lack of exercise might increase the risk for prostate cancer.
At this time, these are not clear risk factors. Also, most studies have not
found an increased risk of prostate cancer for men who have had a
vasectomy.
A
vasectomy is
surgery
to cut or tie off the tubes that carry sperm out of the
testicles.
Most men who have known risk factors do not get prostate cancer. On the other
hand, men who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for
growing older.
If you think you may be at risk, you should talk with your doctor. Your doctor
may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and can plan a schedule for
checkups.
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