Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men. While most cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and may not require treatment, some types of prostate cancer can be aggressive and require urgent treatment.

Several factors raise the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. In this article, we will discuss some of the common risk factors associated with aggressive prostate cancer.

Age

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer. As men age, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases. The average age for prostate cancer diagnosis is 66 years.

About 60% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are 65 years of age or older. Older men are also more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer.

Family history

Family history is another significant risk factor for prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially a father or a brother, are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

The risk increases if the family member was diagnosed at a young age. This indicates that there may be a genetic component to the risk of prostate cancer.

Race and ethnicity

Race and ethnicity are also factors that can affect the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and have a higher risk of dying from the disease.

Hispanic men have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to non-Hispanic white men, but their risk is higher than that of Asian American men.

Diet

Diet is another factor that can affect the risk of developing prostate cancer. Research suggests that diets high in red meat and high-fat dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

On the other hand, diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Obesity

Obesity is also a risk factor for prostate cancer. Obese men have a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. Obesity is also linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence and death after treatment.

Smoking

Smoking is another factor that can increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. Smoking can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of cancer.

Men who smoke may also be more likely to have aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Exposure to certain chemicals

Exposure to certain chemicals in the environment or workplace may also increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. For example, exposure to cadmium and other heavy metals has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Exposure to pesticides and other chemicals has also been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

High levels of testosterone

High levels of testosterone can also increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. Testosterone is a hormone that is involved in the growth and development of the prostate.

Men with high levels of testosterone, or who are taking testosterone supplements, may have an increased risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Aggressive prostate cancer is a serious condition that can significantly impact a man’s quality of life.

While some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be controlled, there are several lifestyle changes that men can make to reduce their risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals.