Prostate cancer risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

Common risk factors in the development of prostate cancer are family history, African American men, dietary factors, obesity, elevated blood levels of testosterone, inherited gene mutation, inflammation of the prostate, tall adult height, exposure to pesticides, and occupational exposures.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of prostate cancer include:

• Positive family history
• African American men
• Dietary factors

• A diet high in fat
• A diet high in red or processed meats

• Obesity
• Elevated blood levels of testosterone
• Inherited gene mutation

• Men who inherit mutations of the BRCA2 gene may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. This gene mutation also increases a woman’s risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

• Inflammation of the prostate
• Tall adult height
• Exposure to pesticides
• Occupational exposures

• Cadmium
• Chemicals in rubber manufacturing