What Are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?

In general, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. However, there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood that certain men will develop the disease, including the following: age, race, nutrition and diet, obesity, environmental exposures, vasectomies, STDs ( sexually-transmitted disease), genetic factors and a family history of prostate cancer.

Age

Age is a risk factor for prostate cancer, especially men age 50 and older. More than 70 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.

Race

Prostate cancer is nearly 60 percent more common among African-American men than it is among Caucasian-American men. Japanese and Chinese men native to their country have the lowest rates of prostate cancer. Interestingly, when Chinese and Japanese men immigrate to the US, they have an increased risk and mortality rate from prostate cancer, when compared to their native populations. In Japan, the incidence of prostate cancer has increased as Western diets and lifestyles have been adopted.

Diet

Epidemiological data suggests that the diet consumed in Western industrialized countries may be one of the most important contributory factors for developing prostate cancer. Studies suggest that men who eat a high-fat diet may have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer.

Obesity

Obesity not only contributes to diabetes and high cholesterol, but has also been associated with some common cancers, including hormone-dependent tumors such as prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer.

Environmental exposures

Some studies show an increased chance for prostate cancer in men who are farmers, or those exposed to the metal cadmium while making batteries, welding, or electroplating. Additional research is needed in this area to confirm whether this is a true association.

Having a vasectomy, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or STD (sexually transmitted disease)

Researchers have looked at whether men who have had a vasectomy, BPH, or those who have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Some studies suggest a link, while others do not support these claims.

More Information

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Prostate Cancer Center Patient Navigator via this form or call (678) 843-5665. We're here to help.

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010.

Last Updated: October 14, 2010 (RSH)