Research shows several factors affect the risk of prostate cancer, while other studies reveal mixed results. Age, race, family history, nationality, and diet are commonly linked to risks of prostate cancer in some men. Ongoing research into obesity, smoking, sexually transmitted diseases, and inflammation of the prostate gland show links in some areas and no connection in other studies.
Age is the most significant risk of prostate cancer because the disease is rarely seen in men under the age of 40. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases substantially after a man turns 50, and two-thirds of men diagnosed with the disease are over 65. It is not scientifically known why age plays such an important role in the risk of prostate cancer.
Race also determines the risk for prostate cancer, which is more prevalent in African-American men than Caucasian men. More African-Americans are also diagnosed during later stages of the disease and die from it when compared to white men. Hispanic and Asian men face lower risks than any other race.
This form of cancer tends to run in families, which might indicate a genetic factor for the risk of prostate cancer. The risk doubles if a brother or father is diagnosed with cancer, especially if a brother suffers from the disease. If more than one relative gets prostate cancer, the risk becomes greater. Some research links an inherited gene to the risk of prostate cancer, but this typically accounts for a small number of cases.
Research also found that nationality plays a role in who contracts the disease. Prostate cancer more commonly strikes men living in northwestern Europe, Australia, the Caribbean Islands, and North America. It is less common in Africa, Asia, South America, and Central America. Health experts believe infrequent screening, diet, and lifestyle choices might account for some of these differences, especially in underdeveloped regions.
The role obesity plays in prostate cancer risk is uncertain. Men with excessive body fat might be afflicted with an aggressive form of the disease and die from its complications. Another study showed obese men usually get a less serious form of prostate cancer, which is treatable. Exercise might lower the risk, but no definitive research proves this theory.
Mixed results also exist in studies of men who undergo vasectomies, with a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer in men who had the operation before the age of 35. The link with sexually transmitted diseases also produced inconclusive results. Some researchers believe inflammation of the prostate gland might contribute to the development of cancer. In some cancer patients, prostate tissue is inflamed at diagnosis.