Who is at risk of prostate cancer?

The factors linked most strongly to a man's risk for prostate cancer are his age, his family history, and his ethnicity. Older men - particularly those 50 years and older - have a higher risk for prostate cancer. African-Americans have the highest rates of prostate cancer, followed by whites, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans. Additionally, African-American men tend to develop more aggressive forms of prostate cancer at a younger age, and they have the highest mortality rates for the disease. Finally, an individual's genetics and family history may influence his risk for the disease. A man whose father, brother or son has been diagnosed with prostate cancer has two to three times the risk of someone with no family history of prostate cancer. That risk increases if the relative was diagnosed at a relatively young age.

Research also suggests that a diet high in fat, especially fat derived from animal sources, may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Obesity and smoking have likewise been identified as possible risk factors.

Cancer terms:
Immunity: Ability of the body to attack and destroy invading microorganisms or other substances. This is achieved with the help of various cells, which uses various chemical substances as well as physical contact to destroy the invading organisms or substances. Immunity is not specific to outside substances and some time can occur against ones own cells including cancer cells that are markedly abnormal from other cells of the body. Example: Hepatitis vaccination will increase your immunity to the hepatitis virus. See cancer terms for more cancer related terms.