Prostate cancer develops when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate, an organ of the male reproductive system. This condition progresses slowly. If low grade, a majority of men can live with it for many years without it being life-threatening. However, if high grade, it can quickly become lethal, unless managed on-time.

There are no symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages of the disease. Moreover, the symptoms may vary among people. It is imperative to go for routine screenings in the form of a digital rectal exam and prostate-specific androgen tests.

Although there is no explanation for the exact causes of prostate cancer, there are certain factors that are linked to the development of this condition.

Prostate cancer and its risk factors can include:

1. Genetics
Genetics control cell growth and its functions in one’s body. Everyone inherits a set of genes (DNA) from both parents. Any change in the genes could be a potential prostate cancer risk factor. Prostate cancer is caused when changes occur in the DNA of normal prostate cells. It is important to note that prostate cancer cannot be inherited. However, a man can inherit the genes or acquire the changes in the genes that will significantly increase the risks.

2. Age
The primary factor that enhances the chance of developing cancer is age. It is rare in men who are below 40 but the chances increase rapidly after the age of 50. This prostate cancer risk factor occurs in every 1 out of 10 men by the age of 65. The chances increase more by the age of 75 years and increases even more by the age of 85.

3. Family history
Prostate cancer has been found to be diagnosed in families with a history of cancer. If a person has blood relation with someone who has already had prostate cancer, the risks are more in comparison to men with no such family history. Similarly, the risk is even higher when there is more than one male relative (such as a father and a brother in the family with prostate cancer). However, it has just as much potential to develop in men without any apparent family history.

4. Diet
Certain scientific studies suggest that the consumption of certain foods that are high in fats, such as dairy products or processed meats, can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. There are several studies that have been conducted to understand how this is exactly related to the risks of cancer.

5. Lifestyle
Evidence has shown that environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to the risks of developing prostate cancer. Other factors such as smoking and obesity have not been proved to be a significant factor. However, it does influence the overall health of an individual.

6. Ethnicity
The increase of prostate cancer in certain races are still unclear. It has been found that prostate cancer occurs more frequently in African-American men as compared to Asian-American men.