Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase the chance of developing prostate cancer, though these factors do not directly cause cancer. Some people with multiple risk factors never develop prostate cancer while others without risk factors do develop prostate cancer. Although some risk factors cannot be changed, such as a person’s age or family history, there are some things you may lower your risk, such as maintaining a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables.
The average male has approximately a 13 percent chance of developing prostate cancer. About 60 percent of prostate cancers are primarily driven by genetic factors while about 40 percent of risk is environmental.
Early detection is important, so be sure to talk with your doctor about your risk factors. They include:
- Gender (only those born male at birth are at risk)
- Age (generally 50 years and older)
- Diet high in fat, red meat or dairy
- Race (more common in Black individuals)
- Family history of prostate cancer
- High levels of vitamin E
- Low levels of folic acid (folate)
- Smoking
Learn more about risk factors.
Symptoms
The majority of patients with early-stage prostate cancer often do not show symptoms. For other patients, symptoms can develop when the cancer has advanced or spread to other organs. Symptoms may include:
- Problems urinating, such as a frequent urge to urinate (especially at night), a slow or interrupted (stop-and-go) urine flow, a feeling that the bladder does not fully empty or a painful or burning urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty having an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Constant pain in the lower back, hips, chest, thighs or pelvis
- Discomfort in the pelvic area, such as when sitting
- Shortness of breath, feeling very tired, an accelerated heartbeat, dizziness or pale skin caused by anemia
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
Speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any new, unexplained or changing symptoms. These symptoms can have other causes, many of which are non-cancerous. Although having symptoms does not mean you have prostate cancer, it is important to discuss any health concerns with your doctor who can help address your concerns and check for those other possible conditions as well as for prostate cancer.
Learn more about symptoms.
