Common Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Common Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is formed when the DNA in your prostate cells develop gene mutations that stunt the cell growth and attack the body’s immune system. In many cases, mutated cells try to escape and form prostate cancer around the prostate gland. Around 164,000 citizens in the country are diagnosed every year with prostate cancer. It is recommended to check for the early onset of prostate cancer.

Different kinds of tests can help in imaging the tumor around the prostate gland even before symptoms occur and patients can receive help as soon as possible. Symptoms of prostate cancer include urinary incontinence, the blood passing through urine, severe pain, among others. Knowing the risk factors does not mean you are definitely getting the disease. It means you need to be careful about the same. Several factors that affect prostate cancer are as follows.

Age
Men as young as 40 years can get prostate cancer. The risk starts once they turn 50. In the country, around 6 in 10 people with prostate cancer are aged 65 years.

Race
Afro Americans are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Caribbean men have a history of this condition and they are likely to develop prostate cancer as soon as they turn 40. This is 70% more likely compared to the Hispanic or Caucasian race. Asian Americans are less likely to develop prostate cancer, while white Americans and certain ethnic areas of Asia can procure prostate cancer easily.

Lifestyle
Obese men are highly likely to develop prostate cancer. Men with less physical exercises are also likely to develop the same. Men who are into testosterone therapy can procure prostate cancer due to the over-stimulating growth on the prostate gland.

Gene changes
Mutations inherited like BRCA1 or BRCA2 have higher chances of developing prostate cancer. They are linked to increasing the risk of prostate cancer among men. The inherited non-polyposis colorectal cancer could also lead to prostate cancer. This is inherited hence the risk factor is much higher.

Family history
Men are at average risk if they aren’t part of afro American race or do not have a family history of prostate cancer. Men having a family history of having prostate cancer are likely to get too. Men with first degree relatives of 2 or 3 generations having prostate cancer on the same side of the family also have chances to get prostate cancer.

Eating habits
Diet and nutrition is a part of a clean and healthy body. We have to look at functional fitness rather than physical fitness. Studies have found that people with an unhealthy diet and nutrition are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Chemical exposure
Prostate cancer was associated with exposure of chemicals by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs especially to those who were in the Vietnam war. The veterans had a major exposure to Agent Orange (chemical). If you are a veteran or have a father or grandfather who had prostate cancer due to the exposure of agent orange should seek doctoral advice.