Prostate cancer risk factors and symptoms to watch for

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According to Prostate Cancer Canada, there is no single cause of prostate cancer, but there are several risk factors. It’s important for men to keep in mind that it is possible to develop prostate cancer even when none of the factors are present. Early detection is important.

Chances of survival greatly increase if the disease is caught in the early stages, when cancer cells have not spread beyond the prostate.

Risk Factors

-The chance of getting prostate cancer rises after 50.

-Prostate cancer is more common in men of African or Caribbean descent. It is less common in men of Asian descent.

-The risk increases if close family members have had the disease.

-Men who consume a low-fibre, high-fat diet are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Research shows that saturated fat increases the production of testosterone, which may aid the growth of cancer cells.

-A high Body Mass Index (BMI) may contribute to a heightened risk of prostate cancer, so men are also encouraged to be physically active and lose weight.

Symptoms

-Urgent need to urinate or difficulty when doing so

-Frequent urination especially at night

-Burning or pain when urinating

-Inability to urinate or trouble starting or stopping urine flow

-Painful ejaculation

-Blood in urine or semen

For more information, visit Prostate Cancer Canada.