Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men. The prostate gland is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
The main function of the prostate gland is to produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. While prostate cancer is a serious disease, not all men need to worry about it.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who should and shouldn’t worry about prostate cancer.
Who Should Worry About Prostate Cancer?
Men who have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer should worry about the disease. The risk factors for prostate cancer include:.
Age
The older you get, the higher your risk of developing prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the risk increases as you get older.
About six in 10 prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older.
Race
Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in white men. African American men are also more likely to develop prostate cancer at a younger age and have a more aggressive form of the disease.
Family history
If you have a close relative (such as a father or brother) who has had prostate cancer, your risk of developing the disease is higher. The risk is even higher if your relative was diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age.
Diet
Some studies have found that a diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer. A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables may help lower the risk.
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Understanding Prostate Cancer in Men
Who Shouldn’t Worry About Prostate Cancer?
Men who have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer may not need to worry about the disease. Some factors that may lower your risk of prostate cancer include:.
Younger age
Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40. If you are under 40, you may not need to worry about prostate cancer.
Race
If you are white and do not have a family history of prostate cancer, your risk of developing the disease is lower than that of African American men.
No family history
If you do not have a close relative who has had prostate cancer, your risk of developing the disease is lower than that of men who do have a family history of prostate cancer.
Healthy diet
If you have a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat and high-fat dairy products, your risk of developing prostate cancer may be lower.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Screening for prostate cancer involves testing for the disease in men who have no symptoms. The two most common tests used for prostate cancer screening are a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
Who Should Consider Prostate Cancer Screening?
Men who have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer should consider prostate cancer screening. This includes men who:.
- Are 50 or older
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Are African American
Who Shouldn’t Consider Prostate Cancer Screening?
Men who have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer may not need to consider prostate cancer screening. This includes men who:.
- Are under 50
- Are white and have no family history of prostate cancer
- Have a healthy diet and lifestyle
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, but not all men need to worry about it. If you have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening.
If you have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, you may not need to worry about the disease. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help lower your risk of prostate cancer.
