What Causes Prostate Cancer?

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Cancer in general is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with prostate cancer ranking as the third most common type of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 224,733 new cases in the U.S. reported in 2019 alone. Additionally, 31,636 men died as a result, in that same year. 

In fact, it is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the U.S. Additionally, it affects one out of seven men, with about one out of 41 men dying as a result. Because of how prominent it is, September has been designated as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Cancer of the prostate is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, which is a small organ located below the bladder in men. Cancer develops in the prostate when the cells of the gland begin to grow uncontrollably. That uncontrolled growth can eventually lead to the development of a tumor. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.

What Causes Cancer To Develop in the Prostate?

Although the cause is not fully understood, there are certain risk factors that may increase a man’s chance of developing the disease. These include:

  • Age. The older a man is, the greater his risk of developing the disease. The disease is rare in men under the age of 40, but the risk increases significantly in men over the age of 50.
  • Family history. If men have close relatives, such as a father or brother, who have been diagnosed with the disease, their risk is increased.
  • Race. African-American men are at a greater risk of developing cancer of the prostate.
  • Diet. Men who consume a lot of dairy products are at a slightly higher risk.

Because the direct cause of the disease is not known, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you can do to help prevent the disease. For more health information, visit us at The Benefits Store today.