The Causes And Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer

Underneath the male bladder, a gland with the name of prostate exists and has a huge function in the reproductive system. In some cases, this prostate gland can develop abnormal growths that lead to cancer forming. Prostate cancer can cause issues with sexual reproduction and urinary health that can prove to be very complicated to battle. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death for cancers in men in all of North America. Some New Jersey prostate cancer treatment experts detailed potential risk factors and causes.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?  

Most forms of cancer don’t have a pinpointed cause. This statement holds true for prostate cancer as well. Prostate cancer has multiple factors that can be involved which increase risk. However, the root cause is mutations in your cells and genetic material that are located in the prostate gland. These mutations can grow at a very fast or slow rate that can spread throughout the body. 

What Are The Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer? 

There are many different risk factors that can cause prostate cancer. A family history of prostate cancer can be a root cause of prostate cancer developing in a person. Approximately 5-10% of prostate cancer cases stem from a family history of genetic mutations in the prostate gland. There are several genes that have appeared to be altered in prostate cancer patients that include RNASEL, BRCA1, BRCA2, MSH2, MLH1, and HOXB13. 

Another major factor is your age. Prostate cancer is very rarely seen in men under the age of 40 years old. As the age goes past 40 years, the likelihood of developing prostate cancer goes up substantially. The majority of cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 65 years old with around 7% of all cases occurring in that age range. 

Your race and ethnic background can be a factor of risk for prostate cancer as well. In the United States, people of Asian and Latino descent have the lowest risk of prostate cancer while people of African American descent have the highest risk of prostate cancer. Not only do African American men have a higher chance of prostate cancer, but they have a higher mortality rate from diagnosis than any other race or ethnicity. 

A diet that is filled with overconsumption of red meat and dairy products can increase the risk of prostate cancer as well. A series of studies by medical oncologists have shown that men with a high intake of red meat and dairy products show a higher risk of aggressive forms of prostate cancer. It is unsure what exactly about these forms of food cause prostate cancer or if it's the lack of other important food groups such as vegetables and fruits. 

I hope this helps!