The exact causes of prostate cancer are not yet well understood. Researchers have found some risk factors and are trying to determine how these factors lead to prostate cancer.

A risk factor is anything that can increase a person’s chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled or changed (ex. smoking) and others are uncontrollable (ex. age, family history, etc.) It is important to know that risk factors are not definite. Some men with one or more risk factors never get prostate cancer, while others who are suffering from the decease may have had no known risk factors.

Factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer include:

• Older age: Age is the most significant risk factor for prostate cancer. The risk increases with age. Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the risks significantly increase after 50.

• Family history: The risk of prostate cancer can be higher for men with a family history of prostate or breast cancer.

• African or black Caribbean Ethnicity: Reasons are still unclear, but research shows that black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. African of black Caribbean men also have a greater risk of developing a more aggressive or advanced prostate cancer.

• Obesity: Men suffering from obesity are more likely to be diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

• Diet: Men who have a diet high in fat or calcium and tend to eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer screening

Two tests are commonly used to look for signs of prostate cancer: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination (DRE). PSA testing should be offered to all men 50 years of age or older with a life expectancy of at least 10 years. Men with high risks of prostate cancer (African ethnicity, family history, etc.) should begin testing at 40.

For more information on PSA testing, click here

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