Risk factors that contribute to prostate cancer

Like many cancers, a number of risk factors can lead to the condition in the prostate. Take a look at the following tips to see if you’re at high risk for prostate cancer.

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in Canada, according to medical experts. Even more shocking is that many of them will have had the disease for years without knowing.

When prostate cancer turns aggressive however, the disease quickly spreads and leads to severe disability, pain and other health complications.

Because late diagnosis can often mean a higher chance of mortality, familiarize yourself with the following risk factors that contribute to prostate cancer.

Many cancers, including prostate cancer, seem to run in the family, which means there is a strong genetic component to being at risk.

According to medical bodies, a man with a brother or father who has developed prostate cancer has twice the risk of developing the disease himself. The risk is even higher if the disease has affected three or more family members. Additionally, young family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer indicates a strong genetic risk.

Check out these facts about age and prostate cancer:

·         In general, prostate cancer is a disease that effects men over 40, with the chance of developing it rising each decade.
·         About 60 percent of all cases are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.
·         A man under 40 only has a 1 in 10,000 chance of developing the condition.
·         Men over 60 have a 1 in 14 chance.

For these reasons, prostate cancer exams are usually not necessary when young but become increasingly important as a man ages.

In North America, prostate cancer is more common in men with African and Caribbean descent that in those from European or Asian descent. However, the rate of prostate cancer in both Africa and the Caribbean is actually lower than it is in North America, which may point to lifestyle factors as well as ethnicity.

According to Prostate Cancer Canada, men who eat a high fat, low fibre diet have a substantially higher risk of developing prostate cancer, as well as other forms of this deadly disease.

On the other hand, many foods contain natural substances that prevent prostate cancer, including tomatoes, watermelon, broccoli and green tea.

Exercise is also an effective preventative measure for prostate and other forms of cancer. In fact, obesity is a serious risk factor for the disease, with studies showing that over 10 percent of advanced forms of prostate cancer are preventable by simply losing weight.

A little bit of knowledge goes a long way when ti comes ot health. If you think you may be at a higher risk for prostate cancer, get screened. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones. These tips will help you decide the next steps you need to take in order to protect your health.