Top 7 Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a gland in men that is tasked with producing fluid that carries and nurtures sperm. And cancer of the prostate is when the cells in this gland uncontrollably multiply. Prostate cancer is usually known for gradually growing and is restricted to the prostate gland. To understand more, let us take a look at this type of cancer’s risk factors:
Age
One of the top risk factors for prostate cancer is known to be the age of a person. According to many reports, most men do not have to worry about prostate cancer when they are below the age of 40 years. However, this risk increases considerably once they cross the age of 50 years. Statistics show that about 6 out of 20 people suffering from prostate cancer are above the age of 65 years.
Geographic Location
Where a person resides also impacts the risk of getting prostate cancer. Many studies report that prostate cancer cases are usually found in North-western Europe, North America, Australia, and even on the Caribbean islands. The continents where prostate cancer cases are rarely found are Africa, Asia, South America, and Central America.
Genes
A person’s genes are also considered to be one of the top risk factors for prostate cancer. However, genes being the sole factor for prostate cancer are a rare occurrence. Inherited mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, a known risk factor for ovarian and breast cancer, are also said to be a risk factor for prostate cancer in men.
Family History
Cancer of the prostate is a type that can be inherited. If a person’s family member suffers from prostate cancer, they are at an increased risk of suffering from that cancer themselves. Of course, people can also get this cancer if their family does not suffer from it.
Obesity
Being obese also increases a person’s risk of getting a rapidly growing prostate cancer. This means that in this case, the usually slow-growing prostate cancer will be a fast-growing one. This means that obese patients suffering from prostate cancer have an increased risk of suffering from prostate cancer.
Unheathy Diet
The direct effects of an unealthy diet of a person when it comes to prostate cancer are still a grey area. But it is proven that men who include dairy products in their diet are known to be at an increased risk of prostate cancer. Even excessive amounts of calcium have been said to be a risk factor for the same.
Smoking
We all know of the harmful effects on a person’s health due to the habit of smoking. It is common knowledge that smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer. This habit is one of the top risk factors for prostate cancer.