Doctors do not know the exact causes of prostate cancer. But there are risk factors that can increase the chance of developing it. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will get prostate cancer. Having no risk factors does not mean you will not develop prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer only affects people who have a prostate. People who have a prostate include men, trans women and people assigned male at birth. If you are a trans woman and have had genital gender affirming surgery as part of your transition, you still have a prostate. Trans men do not have a prostate.

Age

This is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. The risk of prostate cancer is much lower under the age of 50 and increases with age. More than half of all prostate cancers in the UK are diagnosed over the age of 70.

Ethnicity

If you are black you have a much higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The reason for this is not clear, but it may be due to genetic factors. You are also more likely to be usually diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age.

If you are black and aged 45 and over Prostate Cancer UK provide an information pack for those who are concerned about their risk. It gives advice on talking to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer, to help you to decide whether to have tests.

If you are Asian you have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. The reason for this is unknown.

Family History

Most people who get prostate cancer do not have a family history of it. Getting older is much more likely to be the significant risk factor.

But occasionally there may be a possible family link (inherited). The risk of developing prostate cancer is higher if you have:

• either a father or brother who had prostate cancer – the risk is greatly increased if they were diagnosed under the age of 60
• 2 or more close relatives on the same side of the family who had prostate cancer – close relatives include a father, brother, grandfather, half-brother, and an uncle
• certain inherited cancer gene changes (mutations).

We inherit our genes from our parents. Doctors think 5% to 10% of prostate cancers are linked to inherited gene changes (mutations). But they do not think there is a specific prostate cancer gene. It is thought that changes in a few genes are involved.

In a small number of people, prostate cancer may be linked to changes in the breast and ovarian cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. If you have the BRCA2 gene mutation may have up to a 5 times higher risk of prostate cancer compared with the general population. The BRCA1 gene may also increase risk, but this is not as clear. Prostate cancer risk is also higher If you have Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

Talk to your GP if you have a family history of cancer and are concerned about your prostate cancer risk.

Bodyweight & Diet

Being very overweight (obese) may increase the risk of having a more advanced prostate cancer. It may also increase the risk of having a fast-growing (high grade) type of prostate cancer.

A diet high in animal fats may increase the risk of prostate cancer. This includes foods like red meat (such as beef, lamb, and pork) and high-fat dairy products (such as butter, full-fat milk, cheese, and cream).

A healthy, balanced diet is better for your general health. For most people, this includes:

• foods high in fibre (such as wholemeal bread, brown rice, oats, beans, and lentils)
• lots of fruit and vegetables
• less red meat and less processed meat (such as sausages, burgers, bacon, and ham)
• less fat and less sugar.

Eating a balanced diet and doing regular physical activity keeps you to a healthy weight. This may reduce your risk of certain types of cancers and other conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.