Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men, usually striking them in their 60s and 70s. Prostate cancer, a type of malignancy in the prostate gland, is usually detected late in life and progresses very slowly. Though the precise cause of prostate cancer is unknown, a few risk factors may have strong links with causing prostate cancer.

1. Family history
One’s risk of being affected by prostate cancer is higher if they have a blood relative, such as a grandparent, parent, sibling, uncle or cousin who has been diagnosed with this cancer. The risk factor increases if one or more of their relatives have been diagnosed with cancer of the prostate. Also, studies have found a link between men with a family history of breast cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

2. Ethnic origin
In the country, African American men are more likely than Caucasian men to develop prostate cancer. They are also at a higher risk of fatality as compared to other ethnic groups diaganosed with prostate cancer, in the same age group. Studies show that prostate cancer grows more in them as compare to other ethnicities. Even amongst Caucasians, Caucasian men from Scandinavian countries experienced the highest incidence of prostate cancer compared to Caucasians from Asia.

3. Obesity
Obese people have a higher risk of prostate cancer than people who have a healthy weight and BMI. Cancer is more aggressive and larger in overweight people, and it can relapse after treatment in men who are obese.

4. Exposure to cadmium
Workers exposed to the metal cadmium, especially electroplaters, who are engaged in making batteries, welders, workers in the rubber industry, have a greater affinity to prostate cancer. It is worth emphasizing that a lot of research is being done in this area to find out the link so that adequate safety measures can be taken for the workers to reduce the risk of incidence.

5. Food regimen and lifestyle
Meals high in red meat, processed foods, fatty foods, and sugar-rich foods increases the incidence of prostate cancer. If one consumes red meat (such as beef, lamb and pork) regularly, they can be more prone to aggressive prostate cancer. A sedentary lifestyle reduces the body’s immunity mechanism, and hence the chances of developing prostate cancer increase. A fatty diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

6. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)
PIN is a medical condition, in which prostate gland cells look very abnormal when examined with a microscope. Nearly half of men are diagnosed with PIN before the age of 50. PIN increases the risk of prostate cancer, especially if high-grade PIN is found in more than one biopsy core. PIN is considered to be a pre-cancerous condition of the prostate, and it may turn into prostate cancer over time. The only available method of detection of it is by biopsy.