Men who develop prostate cancer are more likely than other men to have certain risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease.
Prostate cancer risk factors
Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:
- Age. Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 50. The risk for prostate cancer increases as men get older.
- Family history of prostate cancer. Men who have a brother or father with prostate cancer have a higher risk for prostate cancer.
- Race. Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than white men, and it occurs at an earlier age in African-American men.
This does not mean men who have one or more of these factors will develop prostate cancer, but they should speak with a physician about their risk.
Prostate cancer risk assessment
Men who have conditions that put them at risk for prostate cancer may benefit from consulting with their physician to determine their risk. If you are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, you may consider getting screened for prostate cancer.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.