Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed usually in oldermen. While many prostate cancer cases develop slowly and only require modest intervention, other cases might feature aggressive growth that requires immediate action. Various behaviors and characteristics can increase a man’s risk of developing the condition. Knowing about the top causes and risk factors of prostate cancer should help you better take care of your prostate.
Causes and Risk Factors
Like all malignancies, prostate cancer results from uncontrollable cell division. Cancer cells grow at an accelerated pace, diverting resources from the rest of the body. While cells have safeguards to control their reproduction, mutations can deactivate genes necessary for self-regulation and promote genes that lead to cancer. Various factors can encourage the formation of cancer cells and reduce the body’s ability to destroy cancerous growths.
Age
The disease is not prevalent in younger men, despite it being the most common cancer in males. Men below 45 years of age rarely have prostate cancer. However, the risk of prostate cancer rises as men grow older. By age 80, roughly 80% of men already have cancer cells in the prostate.
Due to the sharp rise of disease incidence for older men, many doctors recommend prostate cancer screening after 50. Early screening can detect many cancer cases, allowing patients to access earlier treatment and increase their chances of survival.
Race
African-American men are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer than men belonging to other ethnicities. If they do develop the illness, they are more likely to have more aggressive forms of cancer.
Meanwhile, East Asians have significantly lower chances of developing prostate cancer. The symptoms may be counterbalanced by the environment, given that Asians who emigrate to the US have a higher risk than other Asians who remained in their native countries.
Family History
Having an immediate family member with prostate cancer means your risk of getting the disease is higher. In particular, having family members who receive a cancer diagnosis before 65 indicates a strong family history for prostate cancer.
There may also be a link between breast cancer and prostate cancer. People with a solid family history of genes linked to breast cancer may also have higher risks of developing prostate cancer.
Diet
Some types of food are associated with a higher incidence of prostate cancer. For instance, regularly eating high-fat foods can increase your chance of developing cancerous tumors. The risk is even higher with the significant consumption of red meat.
Lack of Exercise
Lack of exercise can make it easier for cancer to develop. Low physical fitness can also lead to obesity, which is another potential risk factor for prostate cancer. Given the other positive effects of exercise in the body, people should be adequately active by exercising at least half an hour for most days of the week.
Environmental Hazards
Some occupations may expose people to certain chemicals that increase the risk of cancer formation and growth. As an example, farmers regularly encounter chemicals used in agriculture. These chemicals may directly damage DNA, causing cell damage that can eventually lead to cancer.
Since radiation can also cause harmful mutations, occupations with high exposure to radiation can increase the incidence of prostate cancer and other malignancies.
Prostate Cancer Screening in Arizona
It’s vital to remember that lifestyle changes can remove many of the risk factors of prostate cancer. Even if you’re at an advanced age and have a family history of the condition, working closely with your doctor can help you adequately manage your prostate health.
With facilities in Gilbert and Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Desi Avila and our team at Ironwood Urology are here to help you. We commit ourselves to promote men’s health through prompt diagnosis and comprehensive treatments. To learn more, call us at (480) 961-2323 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to being your partner in preserving excellent health for you!
