Prostate cancer is primarily caused by an accumulation of genetic mutations in prostate cells. These mutations affect genes that regulate cell growth, replication, and DNA repair, leading to abnormal cell growth and tumor formation. While there isn't one definitive cause, several factors can increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer.
Key risk factors include:
* Age The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly with age, with most diagnoses occurring in men over 50. It's uncommon in men under 50.
* Ethnicity Men of Black ethnic backgrounds have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
* Family History A family history of prostate cancer, or even breast or ovarian cancer, can increase your risk due to shared inherited genes.
* Genetics Inherited faulty genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Other DNA repair genes like CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, and RAD51 may also play a role in hereditary prostate cancers.
* Hormone Levels Some research suggests that high levels of certain hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and testosterone, might be linked to an increased risk, though more research is needed to fully understand these connections.
* Obesity Being obese or overweight may be linked to a higher risk of metastatic prostate cancer, although more research is needed in this area.
* Environmental Exposures Some studies suggest that certain occupations with exposure to substances like cadmium (e.g., welders, battery manufacturers, rubber workers) may be associated with a higher likelihood of prostate cancer.