Am I At Risk for Prostate Can... Health Article

There is really no way to know for sure if you’re going to get prostate cancer. Certain factors can make you more likely to get it than another person. These are called risk factors. However, just because you have one or more risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean you will get prostate cancer. In fact, you can have all the risk factors and still not get prostate cancer, or you can have no known risk factors and still get it.

There are some factors that put you at high risk for prostate cancer. Other factors increase your risk. And some factors are still being investigated and may or may not increase your risk. This section explains all these factors.

Who’s at High Risk for Prostate Cancer?

Some factors make you at high risk for prostate cancer. If you agree with either of these statements, you’re at high risk, according to the American Cancer Society.

I’m African American.

African American men are more at risk for getting prostate cancer than white men. You’re especially at risk if your relatives are from sub-Saharan Africa .

My father, brother, or son had prostate cancer.

These men are considered your first-degree relatives. The fact that they’ve had prostate cancer makes your risk higher. In some families, certain genetic mutations may increase the risk for prostate cancer.

Who Could Have an Increased Risk?

There are other factors that increase your risk for prostate cancer. Some are out of your control, such as your age or family history. However, some risk factors--such as    the types of food you eat--are factors you can control.

If you agree with either of the statements below, you are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Ask your doctors and your loved ones to help you think of ways that you can succeed a lowering your risk.  

I am older than age 54.

The older you get, the more at risk you are for getting prostate cancer. More than 90% of diagnoses are made in men ages 55 and older. The average age of diagnosis is 69.

I have worked with the metal cadmium. Or I have worked with a lot of chemicals.

Some studies show that if you work with cadmium, you may have an increased risk for prostate cancer. Cadmium is used during welding, electroplating, and the making of batteries. Also, if you work in the rubber industry or another industry that uses chemicals, you may be more likely to get prostate cancer. If you work with cadmium or an industrial chemical, be sure to follow the guidelines for working with it safely. If you have questions, call one of these resources.

• Your local union

• The Center to Protect Workers’ Rights at 1-301-578-8500.

• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) or www.cdc.gov/niosh

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742) or www.osha.gov