The Deadly Cancer No One Talks About

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

What Are the Risk Factors?

  There are 4 major risk factors that greatly increase a man’s risk of developing this type of cancer.

  • Obesity – Studies show that the higher the body mass index, the greater the risk of developing cancer. Doctors will also tell you that it’s much more difficult to diagnose and treat prostate cancer in men who are obese.
  • Age – This is perhaps the biggest risk factor for men, which is why many doctors suggest that you begin testing for this disease in your 40’s. Although it is rare to develop this cancer under 50, it does happen. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 70, but it can develop before then.
  • Race – Black males develop this cancer more often than any other race. Asian men have the lowest rates of prostate cancer, while whites and Hispanics fall somewhere in the middle.
  • Genetics – Statistics show that if your father or grandfather had prostate cancer then your risk is 3 time greater. If your family member was diagnosed before the age of 60, then your risk is even higher. As the number of relatives, especially those who are in your first degree lineage, who developed prostate cancer increases, then your risk also increases accordingly as the odds that there is a faulty gene causing this cancer become greater. This means that if your grandfather, great uncles, father, and or uncles developed this cancer, your chances are much greater and you should begin testing early.

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