Prostate Cancer Forum - How Do You Get Prostate Cancer ?

Prostate cancer, like other cancers, is something that just happens sometimes. We don't always know why. However, there are some things that can increase your chances of getting it including:

" *Age: Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. This disease is rare in men younger than 45. The chance of getting it goes up sharply as a man gets older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are older than 65.
* Family history: A man's risk is higher if his father or brother had prostate cancer.
* Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in white men, including Hispanic white men. It is less common in Asian and American Indian men.
* Certain prostate changes: Men with cells called high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.
* Diet: Some studies suggest that men who eat a diet high in animal fat or meat may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Men who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk. (More about diet studies is in "The Promise of Cancer Research".)"
http://w ww.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/prostate/ page4

Also, recent studies suggest that masturbating frequently as a teen and young man may decrease a man's chances of getting prostate cancer late in life.

" A man with prostate cancer may not have any symptoms. For men who have symptoms of prostate cancer, common symptoms include:

* Urinary problems
o Not being able to urinate
o Having a hard time starting or stopping the urine flow
o Needing to urinate often, especially at night
o Weak flow of urine
o Urine flow that starts and stops
o Pain or burning during urination
* Difficulty having an erection
* Blood in the urine or semen
* Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. BPH, an infection, or another health problem may cause them. Any man with these symptoms should tell his doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible."
http://w ww.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/prostate/ page6