There are a number of factors affecting men's likelihood of developing prostate cancer – age, family history and, potentially, diet.
Age is an important factor in that prostate cancer rarely occurs in men under 40, but its incidence increases in men aged 45 to 64 to a point where it is the most common cancer amongst men in Scotland aged 65 and above (see ISD Cancer in Scotland, June 2008).
There may also be a hormonal link to prostate cancer, given that the hormone testosterone seems to have an active role in promoting or triggering it, whereas the hormone oestrogen appears to have the reverse affect.
Men who have had close family members (fathers/brothers) diagnosed at a young age (under 55) can be at increased risk, with studies showing that the risk of developing prostate cancer can be as much as 3 times greater if a man has a first degree relative with the disease.
In addition, some men can be at increased risk due to inherited genes which are faulty, such as BRAC2, which also has a role to play in breast cancer (and there may be a link between a family history of breast cancer and propensity to develop prostate cancer).
Studies have also shown that the ethnic origin of men may be a factor, with men of Afro-Caribbean origin having higher risk and those of East-Asian origin, particularly Chinese and Japanese men, having a lower risk.
There may also be a dietary link, as studies have shown that Japanese men when moving to the US have a higher risk than when they live in Japan. This may be connected with the fact that Western diets are high in red meat and saturated fat and that obesity may have a role in cancer. Some studies have shown that diets rich in Vitamins D and E, as well as lycopene (usually found in tomatoes) can help to protect against prostate cancer (See Diet and Lifestyle).
Men who have an increased family risk of prostate cancer, such as brothers or fathers affected by the disease, may wish to consider screening once they are over the age of 40 or 50 to monitor against the potential onset of the disease.
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