According to National Cancer Institute research, prostate cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer. The chronic disease affects men, primarily those who are above 65. Fewer men below this age will get the disease, according to research.
Generally, medical experts suggest that finding the real cause of prostate cancer in a patient can be a challenge. However, with years of research, they have been able to link specific reasons to increase your chances of getting prostate cancer.
Therefore, read further to get the truth on some factors that will increase your chances of
getting this disease.
- Fatty diet
Numerous research in this field indicates that one of the leading causes of cancer is diet. In fact, about 18% of cancer patients in the US are diagnosed with cancer because of poor nutrition, including consuming many fatty foods.
Other studies show that the disease affects men who live in areas where meat and dairy foods are the staple foods. Researchers also found out that these men rarely consumed fruits, which would balance out the effects that the meat and high-fat dairy products would bring to the body.
- Genetics
Researchers in the medical world agree that most people get cancer are due to genetics. For instance, patients from a family where other people got prostate cancer will have a high chance of developing the disease. Inherited mutations of genes such as RNASEL, BRCA1 and 2, MSH 1 and 2, HOXB13 are why this happens.
Other than that, race and ethnicity might also increase your chances of getting the disease. For instance, Latinos and Asian-Americans rarely get the disease; on the other hand, African-Americans are diagnosed with prostate cancer more than any other race.
- Exposure to toxic materials and chemicals
Different studies suggest that exposure to toxic chemicals, materials, and radiation for long; increases your chances of getting prostate cancer. For instance, military personnel, firefighters, and people who work in factories get exposed to chemicals such as toluene, xylene, benzene, and styrene.
Besides this, people who lack vitamin D may also get prostate cancer, especially if they live in an area where sunlight is low.
Other risk factors you should note include obesity, calcium consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Does lack of sexual activity cause prostate cancer?
Primarily, some experts claim that there may be a link. But clinical research suggests that lack of sexual activity may not increase the chances of getting this type of cancer. Additionally, vasectomy and high consumption of alcohol may also not be risk factors.
Final Thoughts
To lower your chances of getting prostate cancer, you need to alter your lifestyle, as you can see that most causes link with your lifestyle. On the other hand, once you start noticing symptoms, it’s good to change your lifestyle and get treatment as soon as possible.
