While most prostate cancer cases occur in men over 50, knowing your risk factors gives you time to be prepared and proactive for the future. Around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed during their lifetime. Many cases advance slowly and can be managed if detected early. Let's unpack prostate cancer, the significant risk factors involved, and how to stay ahead of it.
Know Your Prostate Cancer Risk Factors: What Every Man Should Be Aware Of
Age: The Greatest Prostate Cancer Risk Factor
The most significant risk of cancer, including prostate cancer, comes from increasing age. You have a higher risk of prostate cancer after the age of 50, with most cases diagnosed in men aged 65 or over. You may be in your 30s or even 40s, but, the sooner this fact comes to your attention, the more you’ll realize the value of:
- Regular screenings
- Healthy lifestyle choices
Family History: Genetics Play a Role
Genetic factors play a role in the chance of developing prostate cancer, with some cases being hereditary and caused by inherited gene mutations. Knowing your family history of prostate cancer is highly important when assessing the likelihood of developing the disease.
If immediate family members, such as your father or brother, were diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk is more significant. You are two to three times greater than those with no family history of prostate cancer.
The risk increases if the cases occur within a younger age group in your family. Since you can inherit prostate cancer risk, discuss your family history with your doctor. Screening should start earlier, before age 50, due to increased prostate cancer risk factors.
Diet and Lifestyle: What You Eat Counts
A healthy lifestyle can prevent many diseases from manifesting in your body, and prostate cancer is no exception. Though researchers still conduct studies, diets can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Avoid diets that are high in the following:
- Red and processed meat
- Saturated and Trans fats
- Dairy
Foods that may help prevent or manage prostate cancer:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Salmon
- Whole grain products
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower
To reduce your risk, eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and good fats, like those in fish and nuts. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight keeps your prostate healthy.
Obesity: Extra Weight, Extra Risk
Carrying excess weight, especially around the midsection, is associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Obesity has adverse effects on the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health disorders and diseases.
There's good news. Losing as little as 5-10% of your body weight may lower your cancer risk. Focus on eating a healthier diet and regular exercise to promote overall health.
Smoking: Yet Another Reason to Quit
We all know smoking is bad for you and damages your lungs. However, you might not know that it also increases the risk of prostate cancer. Research shows links to smoking developing more aggressive forms of the disease and worse outcomes.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. While it reduces your risk of prostate cancer, it also improves lung function, heart health, and well-being. If you’re a smoker, talk to your doctor about the resources available to help you quit.
Chronic Disease: Furthering Complications
Chronic diseases associated with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease can also raise your risk. Keep your health in check with proper lifestyle choices, exercise, and checkups. Get regular bloodwork screening once or twice a year to monitor:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar levels
Proactive Preventative Steps
What can you do now to reduce your future risk?
- Early screening: Speak with your doctor about starting prostrate screenings before age 50. Especially if you have a family history of the disease or fall into a higher-risk group.
- Establish a healthy lifestyle: Minimize your risk by consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Make sure you get regular exercise.
- Take proactive steps in your 30s or 40s: This can make a huge difference later in life. Know your risk factors and take action to mitigate their effects on your health.
ADULT PEDIATRIC UROLOGY & UROGYNECOLOGY
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From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, our health professionals will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.
