3 Prostate Cancer Risk Factors You Should Be Aware Of

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its role is to produce seminal fluid. In normal healthy males, the prostate is usually about the size of a walnut, although it increases in size as they grow older.

The prostate, like other organs in the body, can sometimes become cancerous. Prostate cancer is a serious condition that is fairly prevalent and is in fact the second most common cancer among men in Singapore. While some prostate cancers can be slow-growing, others are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body which can be fatal. Even in non-fatal cases, prostate cancer treatment in Singapore can have side effects which may severely affect your quality of life.

Prostate cancer is a significant global health concern and identifying the risks behind this disease is an area of rigorous ongoing research. Understanding these risks allows individuals to take the appropriate steps to decrease the chances of developing prostate cancer and safeguard their health.

Learn More: How External Beam Radiation Therapies Treat Cancer

1. Age

Age is the number one risk factor behind developing prostate cancer. About 60% of prostate cancer cases occur in men after 65, with the chances of developing the condition rapidly increasing after the age of 50.

Of course there’s nothing you can do to prevent yourself from getting older, but knowing the risks as you age allows you to be more vigilant. Prostate cancer screening is recommended for men above 55. Men between the ages of 40 to 55 should consider a prostate screening if they have other risk factors for this disease. For personalised recommendations, talk to your cancer doctor in Singapore about when it is best for you to get screened.

2. Family Medical History

Prostate cancer seems to run in families to some extent. Known as familial prostate cancer, this may be due to genetic components, shared environmental conditions, lifestyle factors, or a combination of all three.

If you have a close family member who has developed prostate cancer, you are statistically at a higher risk of getting the disease and should look into earlier and more regular health screenings. This risk is heightened if the family member with prostate cancer was diagnosed with it at a younger age, or if you have several relatives who also have had prostate cancer. 

Men who  have a brother with this disease also have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer than if their fathers had it.

3. Diet

No conclusive studies have determined that your eating habits can directly cause or prevent prostate cancer. There are however certain foods that may be associated with a moderately higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Red meat and high fat dairy products are often implicated while diets high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the chances of getting prostate cancer. Always check in with your cancer doctor for up to date information and discuss any dietary changes you are considering.

There are several variables that influence the likelihood of prostate cancer and these risk factors have been identified after numerous clinical studies. While there may not be any guaranteed methods to fully prevent prostate cancer, knowing what the risks are helps inform important medical decisions like scheduling cancer screening appointments. Prostate exams detect cancer early when it is most curable and side effects from treatment are less impactful.

With several years of experience as a Radiation Oncologist, Dr Johann Tang is a clinician dedicated to delivering compassionate medical care to all his patients. Contact us today to learn more and set up an appointment with us.