Revealed: Four factors that increase your risk of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. But do you know the factors that put you at risk of developing the disease?

You’re at risk of prostate cancer if these four factors apply to you

The Mayo Clinic says that factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer include:
 

1. Age. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Prostate cancer is most common in men older than 65.
2. Being black. Black men have a greater risk of prostate cancer than men of other races. In black men, prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or advanced. It’s not clear why this is the case.
3. Family history of prostate or breast cancer. If men in your family have had prostate cancer, your risk may be increased. Also, if you have a family history of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or a very strong history of women with breast cancer, your risk for prostate cancer may be higher.
4. Obesity. Obese men diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more likely to have advanced disease that’s more difficult to treat.

Knowing the four factors that are likely to increase your risk of prostate cancer will help you take steps to reduce your risk of the disease where possible.