Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system that lies beneath the bladder. There is no cure for prostate cancer but there are a multitude of treatments. Some treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell and biological therapies, as well as prescription medications such as Xtandi, and Relugolix. Prostate cancer can be detected by doing a prostate-specific antigen test (psa test). Doctors recommend leading a balanced lifestyle by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly to avoid cancer, especially if you have the following risk factors:
1. Family history
While most prostate cancers occur in men without a family history of it, there is a clear genetic link. Men with a father or brother who have had prostate cancer are twice as likely to get it themself. The risk is even higher if a man has several relatives affected by prostate cancer, especially if the cancer was discovered while the relatives were young. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, be sure to get tested regularly to ensure you stay healthy.
2. Age
Prostate cancer typically affects those over the age of 40 years old. Over the age of 50 years old, the risk for developing prostate cancer increases significantly. According to some extensive research, 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer happen in men that are over the age of 65 years old. The older you get the more often you should be tested for prostate cancer to ensure your continued health.
3. Race and ethnicity
While there is no clear reason why racial and ethnic differences cause prostate cancer to occur more or less frequently, the differences are clear. Prostate cancer tends to develop more in men that are African American or Caribbean and of African ancestry than other races, especially when these men are younger in age. Alternatively, cancer tends to develop less in men that are Asian American or Hispanic/Latino. Regardless of your race or ethnicity it is important to get tested regularly for prostate cancer to help avoid a late diagnosis of it.
4. Geography
The places where prostate cancer is most common is in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and on the Caribbean islands. It is least common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. There isn’t a clear reason as to why geography affects a man’s chances of developing prostate cancer; however, the frequency and intensity of screening in some countries compared to others might account for some of the differences. Other factors may account for these differences such as popular diet and lifestyles in different countries.
5. Gene mutations
While they only account for a small percentage of cases, gene mutations definitely are a risk factor for prostate cancer. Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and especially in the BRCA2 gene are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer in men. In addition, those with a condition caused by inherited gene changes known as Lynch syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), have an increased risk for a number of cancers, including prostate cancer.
