blake
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death among males, after lung cancer. Prostate cancer accounts for approximately 268,490 new cases each year and 34,500 deaths. According to recent estimates from the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer throughout his life and one in 41 will succumb to it. So, in order to understand what the risk factors for prostate cancer are, it’s critical to first understand what they are. Some of them are conditions you can’t influence. Others you may alter. Continue reading to learn about the behaviors that raise your chance of developing prostate cancer.
1 — These Factors You Cannot Change
The bad news is that you can’t modify three crucial prostate cancer risk factors:
- Age: As men get older, the risk of prostate cancer rises. Around 6 in 10 cases are found in those aged 65 or over, and it is unusual before age 40. The average age at diagnosis is about 66 years old.
- Family history: A man’s chance of getting prostate cancer is significantly greater if he has a father or brother who has the disease.
- African-American ethnicity: Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men than white men. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and have worse disease, according to research.
But the good news is that there are many things you may do to reduce your risk. Continue reading to discover what you can do about them.
2 — Obesity
Obesity can cause prostate cancer by promoting inflammation throughout the body, which has been linked to the development or progression of a variety of cancers, including prostate cancer. Obesity raises levels of hormones that can encourage tumor growth. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is one such hormone. Obese men are less likely to exercise than their non-obese counterparts.
3 — You Consume Too Much Animal Fat
A high-meat diet is a risk factor since it raises blood testosterone and other hormones that can stimulate cancer cell development. Well done red meat can generate heterocyclic amines, which are carcinogens (HCAs). Prostate cancer may be caused by these.
4 — And Too Many Dairy Products
Calcium-rich diets, on the other hand, have been shown to raise the incidence of prostate cancer; however, this may be due to high dairy diet.
5 — You Have High Level of Testosterone
Increased testosterone, whether naturally occurring or as a result of hormone therapy for prostate disorders like benign prostatic hyperplasia, might raise the risk of developing prostate cancer.
6 — You Have Been Exposed to These Kind of Chemicals
Exposure to chemicals such as cadmium, which is present in cigarettes, and pesticides.
7 — You Drink Too Much
Excessive drinking: Excess alcohol consumption can damage DNA in cells, which may lead to the formation of cancerous cells.
8 — You Are Still Smoking
Smoking cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. This is due to the tobacco items damaging DNA in cells, causing them to undergo malignant growth.
9 — What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk
If you’re unsure about your risk of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about ways to lower it. Lifestyle modifications, such as eating a balanced diet, drinking in moderation, and getting regular exercise, as well as screenings for early detection, are all options.
A digital rectal examination (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test are used to find out whether you have prostate cancer. The DRE permits the physician to check for any lumps or abnormal growths in the prostate. Elevated levels of PSA can be detected through a blood test, which is why this test is referred to as the Prostate-Specific Antigen Test.
If you have any of these risk factors for prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about whether screening is appropriate for you. Early detection is critical to successful treatment.
