Health and Lifestyle

Causes of Prostate Cancer

Dr. Veena Madhankumar

Jan 25, 2021 — 3 min read

The prostate gland, which is small and walnut-shaped, produces the seminal fluid that nourishes sperm. Cancer of the prostate gland is one of the most common types of cancer in men. These cancers usually grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. But some are aggressive and can spread fast. Like all other cancer, the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known. Genetic mutations lead to the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and results in the formation of a tumor. Additionally, some factors that are listed below are said to increase the risk of prostate cancer.

gif1

1) Older Men

The risk of prostate cancer in males increases with age. The incidence of prostate cancer increases after the age of 50 years. The average age at which most men get diagnosed with prostate cancer is 70 years. A study conducted on autopsy records showed the majority of men older than 90 years have cancer in their prostate.

2) Family History

Males with a history of prostate cancer in a first-degree relative, such as father or brother, are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk of you getting prostate cancer is doubled if one of your first-degree relatives has prostate cancer. The risk is 5 to 11 fold more if two or more first-degree relatives are affected.

3) Diet

High calories and dietary fat intake may influence the risk of developing prostate cancer. Evidence also links being overweight or obese to an increased risk of more aggressive and larger prostate cancer. Such cancer has poorer outcomes after treatment. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet might help prevent the development of prostate cancer, including other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), etc.

4) Infection

Recently, scientists have included sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, etc., as causative factors for prostate cancer. People with sexually transmitted infections have a 1.4 times higher risk of developing the disease than the general population.

5) Exposure to Chemicals

Chemicals such as cadmium, benzene, xylene, toluene, styrene, and other monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, can lead to the development of prostate cancer.

6) High Calcium Intake

A new study found that men who consume more calcium, either through diet or supplement, and those with high levels of calcium are two-and-a-half times more likely to develop severe prostate cancer.

gif2

Also Read

Long COVID: When Recovery Feels Out of Reach

Ah, it still feels like one of the worst nightmares. For a few of us, surviving COVID-19 felt like a relief. But for so many of them, the journey still continues. Long COVID is that unwelcomed guest to the party – draining our energy, making us easily fatigued, bringing in clouds

Coping with Winter Depression

A bright sunny day stimulates our internal clock, uplifts our mood, and makes us feel active and energetic to start the day. On the other hand, long, dark winter days with less sunlight can cause restlessness, lethargy, or disinterest in work, which we usually enjoy. This may even lead to

Processed Foods: What Is Really Happening to Your Health?

Processed foods range from minimally processed, like washed and cut fruits and vegetables, to highly processed, such as ready-to-eat meals and snack foods. 1. What Are Processed Foods? * When we think of "processed foods," instant noodles, frozen pizzas, and sugary cereals might come to mind, but processing actually

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Speed Up Your Recovery!

1. What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a diverse approach that involves inhaling 100% pure and fresh oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. The chamber creates a high-pressure environment that allows your respiratory system to take in oxygen more efficiently than it would at normal air