While there
is no known cause for prostate cancer, the following factors
may increase a man's chance of developing the disease.
Age
The risk for prostate cancer increases with age, with men
over the age of 65 at highest risk. However, 25 percent of all
cases are diagnosed under the age of 65. There are dramatic
increases in the number of prostate cancer cases between age
categories. The sharp increase in incidence with age is a hallmark
of this cancer. According to a study by the Surveillance,
Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program of the National
Cancer Institute, 60 percent of all newly diagnosed prostate
cancer cases and almost 80 percent of all deaths occur in men
70 years of age and older. Mortality rates for prostate cancer
are much lower than the incidence rates, because survival for
men with this cancer is generally quite high.
Race
African Americans have the highest rates of prostate cancer
in the world. They are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed
with prostate cancer and have a mortality rate more than double
that of American white males. Genetics, testosterone levels
and diet are believed to contribute to their increased risk.
Asian men have the lowest incidence for prostate cancer. However,
research shows that as Asian men emigrate to the United States,
the rates of prostate cancer rise to levels almost identical
to those of white Americans. Diet is believed to be a critical
factor in this increase.
Family history
Scientists believe that certain inherited genes predispose men
to prostate cancer. Studies show that a man's risk for the disease
increases if a close male relative has prostate cancer. Close
male relatives include a father, brother and maternal or paternal
grandfathers and uncles. A man's risk for prostate cancer more
than doubles if a close male relative has prostate cancer. With
two close male relatives, he is at five times the risk. With
three relatives, his risk for developing prostate cancer increases
tenfold.
Diet
Some studies suggest that a high-fat diet, particularly
red meat and dairy products, appears to stimulate the growth
of prostate cancer cells.
Vasectomy
Early studies suggested a possible link between prostate
cancer and vasectomy. However, subsequent studies have shown
that vasectomy is not a risk factor. There is no association
between vasectomy and prostate cancer.
The Prostate Cancer pages of this Web site are part of the Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Awareness Program (CPCAP), a major regional effort to reduce the rates of death and illness caused by prostate cancer in southwestern Pennsylvania. Funding for CPCAP is provided by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
