Prostate cancer risk factors

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Most patients have no obvious predisposing elements but a minority have been caused by a lifestyle issues or inherited. The majority of patients are diagnosed with the condition over the age of 60. The following prostate cancer risk factors (individual or combined) may raise the danger of getting the disease:

Prostate cancer risk factors connected with lifestyle issues:

• More common among African-American men
• unhealthy diet high in fat and red meat, low in vegetables and fruits
• men who had vasectomy (minor surgery to make men infertile) may be more likely to develop the disease

Prostate cancer risk factors which are inherited:

• having a strong family history of the disease, such as two or more affected first-degree relatives, e.g., father, brother

As many elements of the danger cannot be controlled (age, race, family history) it is not possible to prevent most cases of this condition. However, changing the way you eat might help to reduce the danger of developing the disease. It is recommended to include a variety of  healthy foods and reducing your intake of red meat in your diet as well as to eat at least five units of fruits and vegetables every day. Following  guidelines on a healthy diet may lower the danger of getting various forms of malignancy in general.

Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.