Causes of prostate cancer

The causes of prostate cancer are not fully known. However, there is evidence that some factors increase the risk. These:

• Age: Prostate cancer is more common in the age of 50 and above. The incidence increases with increasing age. The risk is estimated to be 60% over the age of 65 and 80% over the age of 80.
• Ethnic group: Prostate cancer is more common in African and Caribbean men, but less common in Asian and Latino men. The reason for this is not known exactly.
• Family history: The risk is higher in men with prostate cancer in first-degree relatives (father, brother, brother). Although genetic predisposition has not been proven in most cases, it has been shown that the risk increases as the number of first-degree relatives with prostate cancer increases.
• Geography: Prostate cancer is more common in North America, Northwest Europe, Australia, Caribbean Islands, while less common in Central America, Asia, South America. The reason is not known exactly. However, it is thought that eating habits or different lifestyles may be effective.
• Genetic factors: Some genetic mutations have been identified in a minority of patients with prostate cancer. BRCA1 and especially BRCA2 gene mutations, which are also found in breast and testicular cancers, increase the risk of prostate cancer. In the same way, prostate cancer can be seen together with colon cancer due to genetic mutations in Lynch Syndrome.
• Diet: Although the risk is not fully known, the risk of prostate cancer increases in men who eat a diet rich in saturated fats and red meat, and who consume less fruit and vegetables. Some studies claim that excess dietary calcium intake also increases the risk.
• Obesity: There are studies claiming that the incidence of prostate cancer, which has a more aggressive course, increases in obese men. The reason is not known exactly.
• Smoking: Some studies claim that cigarette consumption slightly increases the risk of prostate cancer.
• Other causes: Inflammation of the prostate, sexually transmitted diseases, or vasectomy are thought to increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, no clear proof has yet been presented regarding these.