Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide.

While some risk factors for prostate cancer, such as age, ethnicity, and family history, are well known, there are also several surprising risk factors that many people may not know about. Here are five of them:.

1. Exposure to Cadmium

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is commonly found in industrial workplaces, such as battery manufacturing plants and metal refineries. Exposure to cadmium has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

In fact, a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men with high levels of cadmium in their blood were 30% more likely to develop prostate cancer than men with low levels.

2. Low Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including bone health and immune system function. Some studies have also suggested that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that men with low levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to have aggressive prostate cancer as men with high levels.

3. Exposure to Agent Orange

Agent Orange was a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. It contained a toxic chemical called dioxin, which has been linked to several health problems, including prostate cancer.

In fact, a study published in the journal Cancer found that Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange had a 48% higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer than veterans who were not exposed.

4. Eating Charred Meat

When meat is cooked at high temperatures, such as on a grill or in a frying pan, it can create chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that men who ate well-done or charred meat frequently had a 40% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ate meat less frequently and cooked it to lower temperatures.

5. Having Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes inflamed. While prostatitis itself is not cancerous, some studies have suggested that men who have had prostatitis may be at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Urology found that men with a history of prostatitis had a 50% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men without a history of the condition.

Conclusion

While there are several well-known risk factors for prostate cancer, such as age, ethnicity, and family history, there are also several surprising risk factors that many people may not know about.

These include exposure to cadmium, low vitamin D levels, exposure to Agent Orange, eating charred meat, and having prostatitis. If you are concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about any possible risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk.