Factors That Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer
Cancer, when it starts in the prostate, a part of the male reproductive system, is known as prostate cancer. It is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the second most common type of cancer prevalent among American men. The symptoms of this type of cancer are diverse and there are cases where the patient showcases minimal or no symptoms, which makes early detection of this disease difficult. But who is at risk? The top risk factors for prostate cancer have been identified as age, race/ethnicity, family history, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Let us explore these in detail one by one: Age : Prostate cancer can affect all men, but the chances of developing the condition increase with age. Studies have shown that the risk of getting this type of cancer increases after the age of 55, with the peak being between 70 and 74 years of age, so older men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Race/ethnicity : Belonging to the African-American race is among the top risk factors for prostate cancer. In such cases, the risk is 60% higher and the mortality rate is double as compared to Caucasian men. African-American men are also susceptible to prostate cancer at a younger age, but the condition is often diagnosed at a later stage.