Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men and is uncommon in men under the age of 50, and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher chance of developing it.
The cause of prostate cancer is still unclear, but experts generally agree that diet is an important factor. A diet high in fat – especially from red meat (such as pork and beef) and other animal fats cooked at high temperatures – may increase the risk of prostate cancer progression. Prostate cancer is more common in countries where meat and dairy products are the mainstay of the diet than in countries where rice, soy products, and vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) are the basic diet.
Diets that increase the risk of prostate cancer may be related to hormones. Fat stimulates the production of testosterone (androgens) and other hormones, and testosterone accelerates the growth of prostate cancer. High testosterone levels may also activate dormant prostate cancer cells and contribute to the onset of disease. Some findings suggest that high testosterone levels can also promote the initial formation of prostate cancer.
In addition, welders, battery workers, rubber workers, and workers who are frequently exposed to cadmium metal are also more likely to develop prostate cancer.
The following factors may increase the risk of prostate cancer:
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Low intake of fruits and vegetables
- High calcium intake
- High linoleic acid intake
- African-American
- Family history of prostate cancer
The following factors have not been shown to affect the risk of prostate cancer: frequent sexual intercourse, vasectomy, masturbation, alcohol and tobacco use, circumcision, infertility, prostatitis, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.