Can prostate cancer be passed on through intercourse?

Whilst we still do not sufficiently know what causes prostate cancer and there is much research underway into it, we do know quite a lot about the process that happens when cells turn cancerous. There is some research which suggests that chronic inflammation of the prostate may be tied to prostate cancer.

Some research has shown that some virus infections can transmit tumour growth by integrating into the chromosomes of host cells or by altering cells (as is the case with cervical cancer and certain stomach cancers). In such instances, it would appear to be the passing on of a virus that can lead to the cancer development, rather than cancer itself (which isn’t a virus) being passed on. We don’t know sufficiently about the causes of prostate cancer, but so far it does not appear to be the case that prostate cancer is passed on via a virus or bacteria. However, we do know that there can be a genetic link, as there is a familial form of prostate cancer which can be passed on from father to son, and occurs in around a tenth of cases.

Some recent research has suggested that there may be higher risk of prostate cancer in younger men who are more sexually active, although the level of risk fell in those aged over 40.