Prostate Cancer Risk Factors: What You Need to Know
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among men, with approximately 1 in 8 being diagnosed in their lifetime. While some risk factors—such as age and genetics—are beyond our control, others, like lifestyle and occupational hazards, can be managed through awareness and proactive choices.
Even if you don’t have these factors, prostate cancer can still develop, as all men are at some level of risk. Understanding what increases your chances of developing prostate cancer can help with early detection, prevention, and better outcomes.
This guide is designed to inform at-risk individuals, those with a family history of prostate cancer, and men in high-risk professions—such as firefighters and veterans—about their unique risks and the importance of regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices. By staying informed and taking preventive steps, men can improve their chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Age and Prostate Cancer Risk
Age is one of the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer. The likelihood of developing the disease increases significantly as men get older. According to the American Cancer Society, about 60% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, with the average age at diagnosis being 66.
- Prostate cancer is rare before age 40, but risk starts rising after 50.
- By age 80, nearly 60% of men may develop prostate cancer.
Given this strong age-related risk, regular screening is highly recommended for older men. The American Urological Association suggests that men aged 45 to 50 discuss screening options with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach based on personal risk factors.
Family History & Genetic Influence
Prostate cancer can run in families, making family history and genetics important risk factors. If a man has a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer, his risk is 2 to 3 times higher than the general population. This risk increases further if multiple relatives have been diagnosed or if a relative was diagnosed at a young age.
Additionally, a family history of breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer could indicate an inherited genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which can raise prostate cancer risk by 2 to 5 times.
Because of this genetic link, men should inform their healthcare providers about any family history of prostate or related cancers, as this can influence when to begin screening and how frequently to test.
- For men with multiple affected relatives or a relative diagnosed at a young age, screening may begin as early as 40-45.
- Inherited genetic mutations are believed to contribute to approximately 10% of all prostate cancer cases.
Race and Ethnicity: Understanding the Disparities
Race and ethnicity play a significant role in prostate cancer risk, with Black men facing the highest incidence and mortality rates. Compared to non-Hispanic white men:
- Black men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- They are 2.1 times more likely to die from the disease.
- Black men in the U.S. and Caribbean have the highest rates of prostate cancer worldwide.
While the exact causes behind these disparities are still being studied, researchers believe genetic factors, healthcare access, socioeconomic status, and environmental influences all play a role. Some genetic studies suggest that variations in the 8q24 chromosome region may contribute to higher prostate cancer risk among Black men. Additionally, disparities in early screening and access to quality care may lead to later-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
Occupational Risk Factors: Professions Linked to Higher Prostate Cancer Risk
Certain jobs expose men to hazardous chemicals and environmental factors that may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Among the highest-risk professions are:
Veterans and Chemical Exposure
- Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to civilians.
- Agent Orange exposure (used during the Vietnam War) has been linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer and more aggressive forms of the disease.
- Approximately 11,000 Veterans are diagnosed with prostate cancer through the VA healthcare system each year.
Veterans exposed to herbicides during service may qualify for VA disability benefits. Learn more about Veterans’ resources and support options.
Firefighters and Carcinogen Exposure
- Firefighters have a 15% higher chance of prostate cancer compared to non-firefighters.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies firefighting as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1) due to exposure to chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins.
Other High-Risk Professions
- Farmers and pesticide applicators (exposure to pesticides and herbicides).
- Welders, battery manufacturers, and rubber industry workers (frequent exposure to cadmium).
- Nuclear plant workers and radiologists (higher exposure to ionizing radiation).
Men in these professions should discuss their occupational risk factors with their doctor and consider regular prostate cancer screenings.
Lifestyle Factors: How Diet, Exercise, and Habits Impact Prostate Cancer Risk
While some risk factors like age, race, and family history cannot be controlled, lifestyle choices play an essential role in overall prostate health.
Diet and Prostate Cancer Risk
- Diets high in processed meats, dairy, and saturated fats may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help reduce risk.
- Nutrients like lycopene (found in tomatoes) and selenium may have protective effects against prostate cancer.
Exercise and Prostate Cancer Prevention
- Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormone levels, all of which may lower prostate cancer chance.
- Studies show men who walk 1-3 hours per week reduce their chance of aggressive prostate cancer by 86%.
- Vigorous exercise (3+ hours per week) lowers the risk of prostate cancer death by 61%.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
Other Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased chance of various cancers, including prostate cancer.
- Obesity may increase the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer and disease progression in men undergoing active surveillance.
While living a healthy lifestyle cannot eliminate prostate cancer danger entirely, it can significantly reduce the chances of developing aggressive forms of the disease.