Although there is no known cause of prostate cancer, several risk factors have been established through years of dedicated research. For instance, men with a family history of the condition have been found to have a higher likelihood of developing it themselves. However, it’s important to remember that there’s no proven way to predict a person’s prostate cancer risk; many at-risk individuals never become ill, while others develop the disease without having a single risk factor.
The known prostate cancer risk factors include:
- Being 65 years of age or older (risk increases with age, and very few men under the age of 45 are diagnosed with prostate cancer)
- Having a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Eating a diet that’s high in red meat products and full-fat dairy products, and is low in fruits and vegetables
Certain genetic factors have also been linked to prostate cancer. For instance, men who have high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) cells may have a higher risk of developing cancer during their lifetimes. Similarly, changes in inherited genes (such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) have also been correlated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we are heavily involved in prostate cancer research, with clinical trials constantly underway to help us understand more about the disease. But, we’re not just concerned with identifying risk factors – we’re always striving to develop the newest and most effective treatments, and we make those advanced options available to our patients as soon as possible.
If you’d like to learn more about prostate cancer risk factors, treatment options and outcomes, turn to Moffitt. No referral is required to meet with our multispecialty team; call 1-888-663-3488 to make an appointment, or complete a new patient registration form.
