Prostate cancer is the second-most common form of cancer in the country and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Survival and future prevention of the disease depend on early diagnosis and timely treatment with medications such as inlyta, zepzelca, relugolix, imfinzi, and erleada.

What is meant by the risk factors of cancer?
Risk factors include all the conditions that could increase one’s chances of developing cancer. Though these conditions may not directly cause the disease, they play an important role in creating the environment for the disease to develop and grow. These factors differ from person to person and increase the chances of the development of cancer. When the risk factors are known, greater vigilance and early diagnosis also increase the chances of healthy living and successful treatment of the disease. That is why it’s important for men to understand the top risk factors for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer risk factors

• Hereditary factors: Nearly 20% of prostate cancer cases are known as “familial,” which means they occur in families and can be attributed to shared genes and common elements in the environment and lifestyle of the family. Men whose father/brothers have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are at a higher risk, and if multiple family members have been diagnosed, there are greater chances of one being affected by it.
• Race and ethnicity: African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, although the reasons for this are not yet clear. They also develop this cancer at a younger age than white Americans and may be diagnosed with a more aggressive form, increasing the chances of death.
• Age: Nearly 66% of prostate cancers occur in men above age 65 years. Though the form of cancer is less aggressive when diagnosed after 70 years of age, age also plays a role in the occurrence of the disease. Aging also interferes with the proper delivery of treatment as older people face unique challenges and may not get enough nutrition and care.
• Location: Northern Europe and North America are the most common locations where people are diagnosed with prostate cancer. However, studies show that currently, the incidence of cases in other urban locations like Singapore and Hong Kong has been steadily increasing. Researchers attribute this to a less healthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits.
• HBOC: Though breast and ovarian cancers are more commonly found in women, men can also develop these conditions in rare cases. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) increases the chances of developing certain aggressive forms of prostate cancer in men.
• Chemical exposure: Agent Orange was a chemical used in the Vietnam War by America, and veterans of this war who may have been exposed to it are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Lifestyle and nutrition: Though studies have not conclusively proved the relationship between lifestyle, nutrition, and the development of prostate cancer, they could be linked. Obesity, the consumption of processed foods, and a lack of exercise could also be related to reduced immunity.