Prostate cancer risk factors

What increases the risk of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK.

Although doctors still don’t know the exact causes of prostate cancer, they do know that some things increase a man's risk of developing it:

Age

The greatest risk factor for prostate cancer is age. Most cases are diagnosed in men over 50. The average age at diagnosis is between 70 and 74.

Family history

A family history of cancer is a significant risk factor. Having a brother, father or uncle who has had prostate cancer increases a man's own prostate cancer risk by two and a half times. Having a close female relative with breast cancer may also increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer.

Ethnicity

Prostate cancer is more common among men of African-Caribbean and African descent. However, it is far more rare among men of Asian and South and Central American origin.

Obesity

Researchers believe there may be a link between obesity and developing prostate cancer.

Exercise - or a lack of it

Men who regularly exercise have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.