Factors That Truly Influence Your Prostate Cancer Risk

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men, with roughly one in eight men receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime. Nevertheless, not all prostate cancers are life-threatening; in fact, many develop slowly and remain harmless.

“There are essentially two categories of prostate cancer,” Dr. Haley Luxton, who studies the impact of prostate cancer in the UK, explains. “I refer to them as ‘pussycats’ and ‘tigers.’ Pussycats are the slow-growing types, which typically do not lead to death.”

“On the other hand, tigers are highly aggressive forms of prostate cancer, and these men require immediate treatment to prevent mortality.”

Autopsy research indicates that over 50% of men over 90 have prostate cancer cells, many of whom were never diagnosed during their lifetime.

“Most men will eventually have prostate cancer cells,” adds Dr. Cody Watling, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Cancer Institute. “However, whether it becomes clinically significant—causing symptoms or spreading—is an entirely different issue.”

Three Key Risk Factors

What really increases your risk of prostate cancer?

According to science, there are three major factors—sadly beyond your control:

• Age – The risk increases significantly after age 50, with most diagnoses occurring in men over 70.
• Ethnicity – Black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as their white counterparts. The reasons remain unclear, although genetics may play a role.
• Family History – If your father, brother, or grandfather had prostate cancer, your risk is elevated—especially if the diagnosis occurred before age 60. The BRCA2 gene is a contributing factor.

Watling notes that these risk variables are generally linked with both prostate cancer and more aggressive forms of the disease. “Evidence suggests that age, family history, and being Black increase the overall risk of aggressive prostate cancer.”

Lifestyle Considerations

While some reports suggest that lifestyle choices can reduce risk, the situation is complex.

Watling, who researched diet and prostate cancer risk at Oxford University, stated, “To date, strong evidence has been elusive.”

Some studies indicate a potential link between high consumption of dairy, particularly milk, and slight increases in prostate cancer risk, likely due to a growth factor known as IGF-1. However, Watling emphasized, “The evidence remains ambiguous, and there is no robust connection.” More research is necessary to clarify these relationships.

One possible exception is obesity. “There is some evidence suggesting that being overweight correlates with a higher risk of aggressive or fatal prostate cancer,” says Watling. “However, it’s challenging to determine if this is biological or due to less frequent early screening in heavier individuals.”

Luxton concurs: “Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in some form of physical activity—even just a ten-minute walk—can be beneficial.”

Recommendations

If you are over 50, or over 45 with a higher risk (due to family history or being Black), Prostate Cancer UK advises initiating a conversation with your GP.

You can assess your risk in just one minute with the Prostate Cancer UK Online Risk Checker.

Your doctor may then conduct various screening tests, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, examinations, and MRI scans as necessary.

In Conclusion

Joe Biden’s diagnosis understandably alarmed many, but it also led to a surge of misleading or overly simplistic guidance. Here are the facts:

• The risk of prostate cancer cannot be entirely eliminated.
• Most risks are linked to age, family history, and ethnicity, rather than diet or lifestyle factors.
• Nevertheless, healthy habits remain important for reducing the risk of aggressive prostate cancer and other diseases.
• If you are at high risk, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor.

About Our Experts

Hailey Luxton is the Head of Research Impact and Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, tasked with identifying initiatives that can significantly influence the charity’s research program and expedite research projects. Previously, he conducted research at University College London and Cancer Research UK.

Cody Watling is a postdoctoral researcher at the National Cancer Institute. His research has been featured in publications such as BMC Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and British Journal of Cancer.

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