Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Its symptoms vary depending on the size of the tumor in the prostate gland and the extent of its spread. But detecting it in the early stages prevents the metastasis of cancer, avoiding complications. Here are the causes and risk factors of prostate cancer.

Causes of prostate cancer
The normal genetic makeup of the cells in the prostate glands is affected due to hereditary factors or external factors in some cases. Such changes interfere with the ability of the cells to stop abnormal growth, resulting in the tumor in the prostate gland. This continues to grow in size and can spread to nearby organs if left untreated.

Risk factors of prostate cancer
Now that you know how this cancer is caused, you should also know the factors that can increase the risks of prostate cancer.

1. Age
Men who are older than 65 are at a higher risk of prostate cancer than younger men. In fact, the probability of prostate cancer developing in men younger than 40 is very less.

2. Ethnicity/race
Men from North American, Australia, and northwestern Europe are at a higher risk. But it is relatively less common in men from Asia, Central America, and Africa. The place of origin combined with the lifestyle influences the risks.

3. Genes play a role
Like most other cancers, family history is a huge factor to consider. Prostate cancer in immediate blood relations like a brother, father, or son could increase one’s chances of developing prostate cancer.

The following are risk factors based on common observation, but there is no concrete evidence to prove them yet.

1. Being overweight
Obesity increases the risk of several types of cancers, including prostate cancer. No strong relationship has been established between body weight and prostate cancer, but most men diagnosed with it are overweight. Being obese also increases the complications associated with this type of cancer. The tumor might be growing and spreading faster than in other cases. This is also one reason why men who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at a high risk of prostate cancer.

2. Food choices
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer are observed to be regular consumers of dairy products. Milk is a major source of calcium, and high calcium content is believed to increases the risk of prostate cancer.

If you or a loved one belongs to the high-risk category for prostate cancer, then ensure that you schedule regular examinations. Do some research and know the early warning signs of prostate cancer.