Prostate cancer – Risk factors

Be over 50 years old:

Age is the most important risk factor for prostate cancer.  The risk begins to increase at age 50 and most cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.

Have a family history of prostatecancer:

Studies show that certain inherited genetic mutations can increase the risk of prostate cancer and that the risk is higher if a first-degree relative (father, mother, sister, brother) has had prostate cancer. Your risk increases with each first-degree relative with the disease.  But there are only a very small number of cases of prostate cancer that are linked to these genetic mutations.

Overweight

You are less at risk if you have and maintain a healthy weight.

Deficient diet

Saturated fats can increase testosterone production and promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. Lack of fiber and other phytonutrients rich in antioxidants (vitamins C, E) are among the main causes of prostate cancers.

Diet rich in fat and dairy products 

Some studies have shown the possibility that a diet high in fat, especially animal fat (found in milk and dairy products) increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Other studies have suggested that men who consume a large amount of dairy products may also be at higher risk because dairy products also contain calcium and calcium intakes may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Diet rich in red or processed meat

Numerous studies show that long-lasting inflammation of the prostate increases the risk of prostate cancer. It also makes it grow and spread faster.

Some studies show that a large consumption of red meat (beef, lamb, pork, veal) can increase the risk of prostate cancer.  Eating plenty of processed meat like bacon and hot dogs can also increase this risk.

Eating white meat (chicken, turkey) does not increase your risk of prostate cancer.

Exposure to high testosterone levels

Androgens are a type of male hormones believed to be linked to the onset and growth of prostate cancer.  Testosterone is the main one.  When the body uses, or metabolizes testosterone, it forms dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and prolonged exposure to high levels of testosterone and DHT could increase the risk of prostate cancer. Moreover, hormone therapy that blocks the body’s production of these hormones is one of the treatments for prostate cancer.

Large size in adulthood

Studies indicate that the taller a man is, the more likely he is to have prostate cancer.  This is thought to be due to   developmental factors that influence growth in the womb during childhood and adolescence and increase the risk of prostate cancer.

 References:

We strongly suggest that you visit the website of the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca which is intended to be the most complete and which deals with the subject in a very scientific and above all very professional way.  All the information mentioned above is more complete.  It is the same with Passeport Santé.