Types of Cancer > Prostate Cancer > Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Risk factors are traits that put people at greater risk of developing prostate cancer.

Age
Although prostate cancer can strike at any time, the risk of developing the disease increases with age, with men over 65 accounting for 75 percent of all cases.

Race
For reasons unknown, African-American men are twice as likely as white men to develop prostate cancer. Asian and American Indian men have the lowest incidence.

Family History
A family history of prostate cancer - especially if the disease has hit several relatives or developed before age 60 -- can put individuals at greater risk. Studies show heredity may account for 5 to 10 percent of prostate cancer, indicating some men could benefit from genetic counseling to assess their risk for cancer.

Nutrition
Studies suggest a diet rich in vegetables may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, while a high-fat diet may increase the odds of contracting the disease.