Prostate cancer Causes and Risk Factors

What causes prostate cancer?
Although there are several known risk factors for getting prostate cancer, no one knows exactly why one man is diagnosed with prostate cancer and another doesn't. Genetic diversity has been observed with prostate cancer, which means that more than one gene has been implicated in its cause, although researchers are still looking into possible genetic causes. Furthermore, as studies into aging continue, scientists may find that the aging process produces biochemical reactions that may contribute to abnormal cell growth.

Risk factors
All men are at risk for prostate cancer. The risk increases with age, and family history also increases the risk. Age is generally considered the most important risk factor for prostate cancer as prostate cancer is found mainly in older men. Other contributing factors for the development of prostate cancer may include:

Age - Men over age 50 are at risk for prostate cancer. The risk increases with age.

Diet - Some studies have found that a diet high in animal fat may increase a man's risk for developing prostate cancer. Conversely, adiet high in fruits and vegetables (especially tomato-based products) may decrease the risk.

Ethnicity - African American men are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. In fact, African American men have about a 60 percent higher incidence rate of prostate cancer than Caucasian men, and nearly a two-fold higher mortality rate than Caucasian men.

Family history - Familial cancers can be due to a combination of genes and shared lifestyle / environmental factors.

Genetics - Genetic abnormalities are responsible for many cancers. Recent research has demonstrated that a genetic defect may keep some men from developing a certain enzyme that could initiate a defense against cells vulnerable to cancer-causing agents in the environment.

Heredity - If a man's father or an older sibling has had prostate cancer, he is at increased risk to develop prostate cancer.

Testosterone - The male hormone does not cause prostate cancer. However, testosterone is known to feed its growth. Some prostate cancer treatments are aimed at blocking the body's production of testosterone.

To better understand the symptoms of prostate cancer, continue reading here. The next section on prostate cancer symptoms outlines the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer for those who think that they may be experiencing the disease.