Most men who get prostate cancer have more than one risk factor and many don’t even know it. Some risk factors, like age or family history, can’t be changed. Others are related to lifestyle and your overall health.
At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, we believe knowledge gives you power. Understanding the causes, risk factors and how to lower those risks can help you make smarter choices about your health.
Experts do not know the exact cause of prostate cancer. Usually, it happens because of changes in prostate cells over time.
Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Each cell has DNA, which works like an instruction manual. Sometimes:
When this happens in the prostate, abnormal cells can collect and form a tumor inside the gland. Some tumors grow slowly, while others grow quickly and can spread outside the prostate.
Prostate cancer usually develops because of a combination of factors, including:
It is important to know what does not cause prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is not caused by:
Some research suggests that long-term chronic inflammation in the prostate may play a role in cancer, but scientists are still looking into this.
A risk factor is something that makes you more likely to get prostate cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer.
Prostate cancer is uncommon before age 40 and becomes more common after age 50. Most cases are found in men over 65. As men get older, prostate cells have more time to change and potentially cause cancer.
You might be at higher risk if your father, brother or son had prostate cancer. If multiple relatives on the same side of your family were affected, your risk might be higher.
Certain inherited gene changes also increase risk, including:
If your family has a history of certain health problems, talk to your health care provider to see if genetic counseling might help. Banner MD Anderson provides genetic testing and counseling for families at risk.
Prostate cancer can happen to anyone, but African American men or men of African descent are at higher risk. They are more likely to get a more aggressive form of cancer and at a younger age.
Talk to your provider about your risks and if you should start screenings earlier.
Certain habits and health conditions may increase risk, including:
Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to certain chemicals might increase the chance of prostate cancer.
Possible exposures include:
Some prostate conditions are often confused with cancer:
There is no sure way to stop prostate cancer from happening. But you can do things to keep your prostate healthy and lower your chance of getting cancer.
A healthy diet supports your whole body, including your prostate.
Focus on:
Limit:
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports hormone balance. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, such as walking, biking, swimming or low-impact options. Strength train with weights or your own body weight a few times a week.
Keeping your weight in a healthy range may lower your risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Good habits to follow include:
If weight loss is difficult or overwhelming, talk to your health care provider or a registered dietitian about safe and realistic goals.
If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. For cancer prevention, it’s also best not to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink, be aware of the risks, aim to drink less often and have fewer drinks.
If you are having a hard time quitting smoking, help is available with counseling, medicines and support programs.
Screening helps find prostate cancer early, often before you have any symptoms. When found early, treatment is usually easier, the results are better and the cancer is less likely to have spread.
Screening tests can include:
When you start screenings depends on your risk. Beginning at age 45, you should speak with your health care provider about the benefits and risks of prostate screening. If you are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor sooner.
There are benefits and limits to the PSA test. Talk to your provider to see what’s best for you.
For men who are at high risk for prostate cancer, the PSA Clinic at Banner MD Anderson offers comprehensive screenings and ongoing surveillance to ensure the best treatment.
Researchers have looked at nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids to see if they can lower the risk of prostate cancer. So far, no supplement has been proven to clearly reduce this risk.
Some studies have even shown possible risks. For example, taking supplements like selenium, vitamin E, folate and calcium for a long time may be linked to a higher chance of getting prostate cancer.
Because of this, supplements are not recommended to prevent prostate cancer unless your health care provider suggests you take them for another health reason. The best way to get the nutrients your body needs is through a healthy, balanced diet.
Our multidisciplinary team offers:
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