The prostate gland is responsible for manufacturing the fluid that mixes with sperm. It is a small gland, but it is causes 180,000 cases of prostate cancer among American men every year. It is also the most common type of cancer in American men.
In a health risk assessment for prostate cancer, the following factors increase your risk.
Age – Prostate cancer risk increases with age. In fact, more than 90 percent of prostate cancer cases are in men older than 55.
Height – Scientists have not determined why, but taller men are at higher risk for prostate cancer.
Diet – A diet too high in animal fat (more than 5 servings a day) increases your risk of prostate cancer.
Vasectomy – After a vasectomy, you are at a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The reason for this is unknown.
Family history – Prostate cancer is linked to DNA changes. Because this can be hereditary, if you have a father or brother with prostate cancer, your risk is higher.
Ethnicity- African American men are at the highest risk for prostate cancer of all ethnic groups. Asian men are at lowest risk.
