The short answer
Prostate cancer risk rises with age and is higher for people with a family history and for Black men. Most prostate cancers grow slowly. Knowing your risk helps you discuss screening with your doctor.
Age is the biggest risk factor; prostate cancer is uncommon before age 50.
A family history of prostate cancer raises risk.
Black men have a higher risk and are more often diagnosed at younger ages.
Some inherited gene changes, like BRCA2, raise risk.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
A risk factor is anything that raises the chance of developing a disease. For prostate cancer, the main risk factors are age, family history, and race. Having risk factors does not mean you will get prostate cancer, and most prostate cancers grow slowly.
The main risk factors
The strongest risk factors are:
- Older age — uncommon before 50, most common in older men
- Family history — a father or brother with prostate cancer
- Race — Black men have a higher risk and are often diagnosed younger
- Certain inherited gene changes, such as BRCA2
What it means for screening
Men at higher risk may benefit from discussing PSA screening earlier than others. Screening has both benefits and drawbacks, so it is a personal decision to make with your doctor.
Knowing your risk helps you and your doctor decide when and whether to screen.
Keeping it in perspective
Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and many never cause harm. Understanding your risk factors helps you have an informed conversation about screening rather than a source of alarm.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Who is at higher risk?
Risk rises with age and is higher for men with a family history of prostate cancer and for Black men. Some inherited gene changes, such as BRCA2, also raise risk.
▸At what age does risk rise?
Prostate cancer is uncommon before age 50, and most cases are found in older men. Age is the strongest risk factor.
▸Does family history matter?
Yes. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer raises your risk, and the risk is higher if several relatives were affected or diagnosed young.
▸How does risk affect screening?
Men at higher risk may benefit from discussing PSA screening earlier. Talk with your doctor about your risk and the pros and cons of screening.
Questions to ask your doctor
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