Prostate cancer is relatively common for men. Fortunately, we at Arkansas Urology know if prostate cancer is caught early, it’s very treatable. That’s why it’s so important to recognize and understand risk factors. Several different factors contribute to this cancer and when it occurs. Risk factors for prostate cancer differ from risk factors of most other cancers. So who is most likely to develop prostate cancer? Here are four top risk factors for prostate cancer:
1. Age is the greatest risk factor. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop prostate cancer. About 80 percent of men who reach age 80 will have some cancer cells in their prostate. The majority of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65. In the U.S., the average age of a man just diagnosed with prostate cancer is 69.
2. Statistically, African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men. The cancer is also more likely to be advanced when it is diagnosed. Hispanic men have a lower risk of prostate cancer than white men.
3. Family history also plays a key role in whether or not you develop prostate cancer and when it occurs. If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk is doubled. Having a brother with prostate cancer seems to increase your risk more than your father. Multiple family members and the age of their diagnoses also affect your risk. Also, having a family history of genes that increase the risk of breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
4. Smoking, diet and obesity have been shown to be factors for aggressive prostate cancer, but they aren’t necessarily factors for low-risk prostate cancer.
If risk factors for prostate cancer are present, an early cancer screening is key. At Arkansas Urology, our team of physicians can share their knowledge of risk factors and advise you of when a screening should be scheduled. Give us a call today at 800-255-1762.
