No one knows why or how prostate cancer begins and what triggers the disease. Autopsy studies show 1 in 3 men over the age of 50 have some cancer cells in the prostate. Eight out of ten “autopsy prostate cancers” found are small, with tumors that are not harmful. Thus, most prostate cancers are not lethal.
Even though there is no known cause for prostate cancer, there are many risks associated with the disease.
What Are The Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?
Age
As men age, their risk of getting prostate cancer goes up. It is rarely found in men younger than age 40. Damage to the genetic material (DNA) of prostate cells is more likely for men over the age of 55. Damaged or abnormal prostate cells can begin to grow out of control and form tumors.
Smoking and being overweight are more closely linked with dying from prostate cancer. Note that smoking cigarette does not cause prostate cancer per se.
Ethnicity
African American men have, by far, the highest incidence of the disease. One in six African American men will get prostate cancer. This is alarming. African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer at an earlier age. They are also more like to have aggressive tumors that grow quickly, spread and
cause death. The reason why prostate cancer is more prevalent in African American men is unclear yet it may be due to socioeconomic, environmental, diet or other factors. Other ethnicities, such as Hispanic and Asian men, are less likely to get prostate cancer.
Family History
Men with a family history of prostate cancer also face a higher risk of also developing the disease. A man is 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother or son had it. This risk increases with the number of relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer. The age when a close relative was diagnosed is also an important factor.
Smoking
Studies show prostate cancer risk may double for heavy smokers. Smoking is also linked to a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer. However, within 10 years of quitting, your risk for prostate cancer goes down to that of a non-smoker the same age.
World Area
Prostate cancer numbers and deaths vary around the world but are higher in North America and Northern Europe. Higher rates may be due to better or more screening procedures, heredity, poor diets, lack of exercise habits, and environmental exposures.
Diet
Diet and lifestyle may affect the risk of prostate cancer. It isn’t clear exactly how. Your risk may be higher if you red animal eat , more calories, animal fats, refined sugar and not enough fruits and vegetables. A lack of exercise is also linked to poor outcomes. Although obesity does not cause prostate cancer, it is known to increase a man’s risk of dying from prostate cancer ( if they have the disease) . One way to decrease your risk is to lose weight, and keep it off.
Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?
Doing things that are “heart healthy”, will also keep your prostate healthy. Eating right, exercising, watching your weight and not smoking can be good for your health and help you avoid prostate cancer. Your best defense against prostate cancer is to see your health care provider regularly and to be tested yearly after the age of 40-50. While you can’t prevent prostate cancer, you can help with an early diagnosis. Early diagnosis carries many benefits for your overall survival in case you develop the disease.
Angelo E. Gousse, MD
Memorial Hospital Miramar,South Broward Hospital District 1951 SW 172 Avenue, Suite 305, Miramar,
FL, 33029 Tel: 954-362-2720 | Fax: 954-362-2761
www.bladder-health.net