PROSTATE CANCER. RISK FACTORS.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most frequent type of cancer found in men.

The most commonly known risk factors are:

AGE.

Even though it can be diagnosed in young men, 70% of cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men over the age 50.

RACE.

This type of cancer is more frequent in African American and Caribbean men than in any other race. The cause has not yet been found.

LOCATION.

North America, Northeast Europe and Caribbean have the largest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. The cause is unknown.

GENETICS.

Even though there is a genetic predisposition, the majority of cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men that do not have any prior family history. However, the risk doubles if a father or a brother has suffered from it.

DIET.

Even though, the influence of the diet is considerably less than any of the other factors listed above, it should also be taken into consideration.

Men that ingest a large proportion of red meat, saturated and trans fats have a higher probability of developing prostate cancer.

Studies have also shown that men that ingest an excess of calcium in their diets could also have a slightly higher risk of suffering from this disease. Nevertheless, researchers highlight the importance of eating foods rich in calcium in order to have healthy diet.

OTHER FACTORS.
Research studies have shown that abdominal obesity and smoking contribute to the development of a tumour as they increase the secretion of hormones.