The American Cancer Society reports that prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Each year, about 1.5 million men are diagnosed with the disease, which affects the gland surrounding the neck of the bladder in men. Although there’s no foolproof way to prevent prostate cancer, recognizing the various risk factors for the disease may encourage men to improve their overall health.

Age:

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), about three in five prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65, making age one of the biggest risk factors for the disease. However, men under 65 should be aware that the rate of prostate cancer diagnoses rises sharply in their 50s. Prostate cancer affects roughly one in 457 men under age 50, but increases to one in 55 among men aged 50 to 59.

Genetics and family history:

The PCF reports that medical researchers have identified specific genes that increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Men with these genes might need to take preventive actions, such as genetic counseling or alternative screenings, which others without these genes might not require. Family history is another genetic factor considered a risk for prostate cancer. Men with a first-degree relative, like a father or brother, who has had the disease may be twice as likely to be diagnosed compared to men without such a family connection.

Race:

Although the reasons remain unclear, race is a risk factor for prostate cancer. The PCF reports that one in six Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to one in eight white men. Black men also tend to be diagnosed at a younger age and are more likely to have a more advanced form of the disease at diagnosis than white men.

Lifestyle:

Lifestyle habits, including diet and smoking, can increase the risk of prostate cancer. The PCF notes that men whose diets lead to overweight or obesity are at higher risk of developing an aggressive form of prostate cancer than men who are not overweight or obese. Smoking also raises a man’s risk of dying from prostate cancer.

Did you know?

The PCF reports that there are significant racial disparities regarding prostate cancer cases. According to the PCF, one in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, a rate that is one in eight among white men. The PCF also notes that Black men are twice as likely to die from the disease as white men. Due to the racial disparities noted above, the PCF urges Black men to discuss prostate cancer screening with their physicians around age 40, which is five years earlier than the PCF recommends men without risk factors open a dialogue with doctors about screening for the disease.

Prostate cancer poses a significant threat to men worldwide. More information about the disease can be found at pcf.org.