What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Researchers don't yet know what causes prostate cancer. However, several factors have been linked to an increased risk for this disease. This introductory guide will help patients to learn more about the risk factors that may increase the chance of developing prostate cancer.

Genetics and Family History

There is a genetic link to prostate cancer. A man who has a brother or father with prostate cancer is at double the risk for developing this disease. However, scientists are concerned that family studies may be skewed. Testing every man in the family increases the likelihood of finding other family members who have the disease.

Hormones

Androgens are any type of male sex hormone. Men need androgens for the function, growth, and maintenance of the prostate. Unfortunately, androgens also can speed up the growth of prostate cancer cells. In the scientific community, the relationship between prostate cancer and hormonal levels is controversial. Scientists have been able to prove that testosterone nourishes cancer cells in the prostate and helps them grow into tumors. However, scientists don't understand why the risk for prostate cancer increases with age at the same time that testosterone levels decline with age.

Occupation

The following occupations put men at an increased risk for developing this disease:

• Farmers: Exposure to high levels of pesticide
• Welders and Rubber Manufacturing Workers: Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Battery Manufacturing Workers: Exposure to cadmium

Age

Men over the age of 65 develop 70% of all prostate cancers. Scientists don't know why an increase in age leads to a higher risk of developing this disease.

Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN)

PIN is a condition that changes the microscopic appearance of prostate gland cells. These changes in prostate gland cells may progress into cancer. Unfortunately, 48% of men develop PIN by the time they have reached age 50.

Diet

A diet high in fats and red meats may increase a person’s chance for developing prostate cancer.

Country

Prostate cancer rates vary from country to country. Prostate cancer is least common in Central America, Asia, Africa, and South America. It is most common in northwest Europe and North America. Several factors may contribute to this trend including dietary choices, environment, and the detection rates of cancer in each country.

Racial Background

African-American men are 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. Scientists are unsure as to why this is. Suggestions of factors that may contribute to this disparity include biological differences, access to healthcare, and lifestyle choices.

Men should be proactive about following prostate screening guidelines. It is also important to tell your doctor about any symptoms you are having, especially symptoms related to sex, urine, erectile dysfunction, or with the genital tract in general.

Doctors tend to use foreign terminology when speaking to patients. The following defined terms will help patients to communicate clearly with their doctor or urologist about prostate cancer:

• Digital Rectal Exam: This is an examination where a doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for tumors.
• Urologist: An urologist studies urology which is the specialization in the treatment of problems in the genitals, bladder, kidney, and prostate.
• Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: This is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.
• Radical Prostatectomy: This is the most common type of surgery for prostate cancer. One of the rare risks associated with this procedure is the development of a hernia.
• Gleason Score: This is the rating system doctor’s use to rate how far a patient’s cancer has progressed. The score will be a number between one and five. One is the lowest grade of cancer and five is the highest grade of cancer.