Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is today one of the leading cancers among men across the world. Though the exact cause of the cancer is unknown, there are various factors which are considered as risk factors. The risk factor increases with age, incidence of the cancer in the family, and is also unusually prevalent in certain regions of the world.
The various risk factors are explained in the followin section:
1. Age
If you are 50 years or older, you are at a greater risk of being affected by prostate cancer. More than 70 percent of the cancer has been diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
2. Genetic Factors
5 percent to 10 percent of all prostate cancers can be attributed to an inherited DNA change, such as the cancer susceptibility gene. This may be a reason for a higher risk of inherited prostate cancer in Afro-American men than in Caucasian men.
3. Family History of Prostate Cancer
Having a father or brother, or several relatives who had this cancer at a young age increases your chances of being affected by prostate cancer to a great extent.
4. Race
Prostate cancer is widely found among men in the United States, is quite widespread in Europe, and the least found in South and East Asia. Also, it is more prevalent among the African Americans than the Africans and the Caucasian- American men. Japanese and Chinese men, who are one of the least affected, are greatly affected by the cancer when they migrate to the US due to change in life style and food habits.
5. Diet
The more red meat and high-fat diet you consume, the more susceptible you are to developing prostate cancer. Foods rich in fiber content, soy proteins, and Vitamin A from plant sources reduces the risk while Vitamin A from animal sources increases the risk of the cancer. Obesity also increases the chances of developing hormone-dependant tumors like the prostate.
6. Exposure to Substances
To a small extent, Cadmium is suspected to be a risk when it interacts with Zinc, which is found in the prostate. People who work in the welding industry, make batteries etc. are exposed to Cadmium. Cigarette smoking may also increase your chances of developing this cancer.
7. STD and Vasectomy
Having had a vasectomy or a sexually transmitted disease can pose a small risk to you developing prostate cancer though this is still not established.
Mail this post
Posted in 
Tags: