What are the causes of prostate cancer?

No one knows the exact causes of prostate cancer, or why some types are more aggressive than others. But we do know that it is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that one in six men will be diagnosed with the disease. It is reassuring to know that only one in 36 will die from it.

Whenever a cell divides, DNA is copied to the new cell. Sometimes this process doesn’t work perfectly.

It is believed that damage or mutations to DNA cause normal prostate cells to become cancerous cells. Some of these mutations are inherited and others occur during a man’s lifetime. The more quickly cells grow and divide, the more chances for mutations. Up to 10% of prostate cancers are caused by inherited DNA changes. But it is more common for DNA changes to occur during a man's lifetime. Unfortunately, genetic testing is not readily available.

High levels of certain hormones (such as testosterone) have also been linked to prostate cancer cell growth, and may put men at risk. Inflammation of the prostate (called prostatitis) has been suspected to be a risk factor (because it may lead to cell DNA damage), but research study results have been contradictory.

The American Cancer Society suggests that a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and high in fat, particularly saturated fat in hydrogenated foods, causes oxidative damage to DNA. A high intake of calcium may be linked to the development of advanced prostate cancer, but other studies show that an average intake of calcium does not put men at risk.

It's hard to know if age, family history, race, hormones, ethnicity, and environment are really causes of prostate cancer, but they may all play a role.

A man’s risk increases after the age of 50 (nearly 2 out of 3 prostate cancers are found in men older than 65). African-American men are at higher risk than white men. Asian-American men and Hispanic/Latino men are at lower risk than white men.

If your loved one has a father or brother with prostate cancer, his risk of getting the disease is more than doubled.

Another reason researchers believe that diet may play a role is because the rate of prostate cancer is lower in Asian men living Asia, but higher in Asian men living in the United States. The American Cancer Society reports that prostate cancer is also more common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean islands, although the reason is not known.

Some men worry that having a vasectomy increases their risk, but recent studies do not support this. There is also no strong scientific proof that too much sexual activity—including masturbation—is one of the causes of prostate cancer.

Always discuss everything you read on this web site with a qualified medical professional.

Updated 7/11

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