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 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 Asians and American Indians.
Certain Prostate Changes: Men with cells called high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN, or a collection of irregular cells within the prostate) may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under the microscope. PIN can be subdivided into different levels, based on the degree of cell atypia (abnormality). PIN was formerly classified as PIN 1, 2 or 3, in order of increasing cell irregularities. Nowadays, PIN 1 is referred to as low grade PIN, and PIN 2 and PIN 3 are grouped together as high grade PIN. Only high grade PIN has been shown to be a possible risk factor for prostate cancer.
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.
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. He or she may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and can plan a schedule for checkups.
