Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

There are many factors that may affect your risk of developing prostate cancer. This material was designed to promote prostate cancer awareness and encourage annual screenings as appropriate. It is not a substitute for the expert advice and judgment of a doctor. Patients and their loved ones should discuss any decisions regarding prostate cancer risks, screening, and treatment with their physician.

Increased Risk

Family History

• One first-degree relative = 2-fold or greater risk¹
  
  
• Two first-degree relatives = 5-fold risk¹
  
  
• Family history of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations carries greater risk for prostate cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes associated with familial breast cancer that may be identified in high-risk individuals/families undergoing genetic testing. ^2-4

Race

• African American⁵

Age

• increases dramatically after age 50⁵

No Definitive Correlation

Vasectomy

• Men undergoing vasectomy demonstrate greater health-seeking behavior and are more likely to be screened for prostate cancer⁶
  
  

Occupation

• Weak association with cadmium exposure (eg, mining, newspaper printing)⁵
  
  

Smoking⁷

References

1. Steinberg DG, Carter BS, Beaty TH, Childs B, Walsh PC. Family history and the risk of prostate cancer. Prostate. 1990;17:337-347.
   
   
2. Struewing JP, Hartge P, Wacholder S, et al. The risk of cancer associated with specific mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 among Ashkenazi Jews. N Engl J Med. 1997;336:1401-1408
   
   
3. Easton DP, Steele L, Fields P, et al. Cancer risks in two large breast cancer families linked to BRCA2 on Chromosome 13q12-13. Am J Hum Genet. 1997;61:120-128.
   
   
4. Sigurdsson S, Thorlacius S, Tomasson J, et al. BRCA2 mutation in Icelandic prostate cancer patients. J Mol Med. 1997;75:758-761
   
   
5. Prostate Cancer PDQ®: Prevention. National Cancer Institute. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/prostate/
   healthprofessional/allpages. Accessed November 2005.
   
   
6. American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Detailed Guide. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?dt=36. Accessed December 2005.
   
   
7. Roberts W, Platz E, Walsh P. Association of Cigarette Smoking With Extraprostatic Prostate Cancer in Young Men. J Urology. 2003;169:512-516.