Are You More at Risk for Prostate Cancer?

When it comes to prostate cancer, the primary risk factor comes down to anatomy: Only men have prostates, so being male automatically puts you in the potential risk group. And it’s a strong risk factor, given that prostate cancer has a lifetime prevalence of about 1 in 8 men.

Beyond gender, however, are there other factors that put you at risk for prostate cancer?

For answers, we turn to board-certified urology expert Dr. Robert J. Cornell. As a specialist in men’s health, Dr. Cornell has no small amount of experience helping his patients stay one step ahead of prostate cancer, and knowing your risk factors is a great first step. 

Age 

Outside of being male, the most influential risk factor for prostate cancer is age. Prostate cancer is fairly uncommon in men below the age of 40. In fact, about 60% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.

Family history

If you have a family history of prostate cancer, especially in an immediate relative such as a father or brother, this can raise your risk twofold. That said, most prostate cancers are diagnosed in men without a family history of the disease. 

In other words, not having a family history of prostate cancer doesn’t mean it can’t strike, and if you do have a close family member with the disease, you need to be more vigilant.

Genetics

Another factor that raises your risk for prostate cancer is an inherited genetic mutation, such as BRCA-1, BRCA-2, or Lynch syndrome.

Race

Significant racial disparities exist when it comes to prostate cancer, starting with the fact that 1 in 6 Black men are affected as opposed to 1 in 8 men overall. Death rates from prostate cancer are also higher among Black men.

There are several reasons for these racial disparities, including:

• Early puberty in some individuals, which leads to more testosterone exposure over the years
• Higher rates of fast-growing prostate cancer, though the exact causes are still being studied
• Socioeconomic issues, namely inadequate access to quality healthcare

As a result, Black men have twice the incidence and mortality rates than white men (and 3-4 times more than men of Asian descent) when it comes to prostate cancer.

Environment and lifestyle

As with all cancers, environment and lifestyle can make you more vulnerable. For example, obesity can lower your ability to fight disease. Smoking can also severely impair your immune system and cardiovascular health, increasing your prostate cancer risk.

For a personal evaluation of your risks for prostate cancer, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cornell. Contact our Houston office today.