Three Factors Leading To Prostrate Cancer
There are many factors that may possibly play a role in the development of prostrate cancer. Three of these factors are unchangeable, namely age, family history, and race. However, even though our ages, family histories, and nationalities are not under our immediate control, we can still take steps towards ensuring our health.
Age
Prostate cancer is more common among older men. In other words, the older you are, the higher the chances of contracting prostate cancer. Only about 1 in every 10,000 people (.01%) under the age of forty will diagnosed with the disease. After that, however, the risk of contracting prostate cancer increases dramatically. From ages 40 to 59, the risk is 1 in 39 (2.6%). From the age of 60 to age 79, it is 1 in 7 (14.29%).
A man from age 40 onward would be well-advised to get regular medical check-ups. People over forty are not only at an increased risk with regards to prostate cancer, they are at an increased risk with regards to a whole array of illnesses, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, etc. Regular check-ups will ensure that any illnesses will be discovered at an early stage and treated accordingly.
Family History
Prostate cancer is more common among men whose immediate family members have the disease. Men who have first-degree relatives with the cancer are twice as likely to be diagnosed themselves. First degree relatives include the father, brothers, or sons.
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Every person should be aware of the health problems that their family members have. Patterns should be noted whenever possible. Illnesses that "run in the family" must be identified and guarded against, whenever possible. For instance, if your father has diabetes, it is quite likely that you will have it too, at some point or another. Even if you do not have the symptoms at the moment, you should refrain from eating too much sweets and carbohydrates, as diabetics do. Similarly, if your father, brother, or grandfather or uncle has prostate cancer, you are at an increased risk and should be on the lookout for the symptoms of the disease. Take preventive measures like taking lycopene and other antioxidants.
Race
Rates of prostate cancer vary widely across the globe. However, certain races show a greater tendency towards the disease than others. Africans and African-Americans are about 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than Caucasian men are. Europeans are at a moderate risk with regards to prostate cancer, while East Asians and Southeast Asians sport the lowest rates in the world. The nation with the most cases of prostate cancer cases is the United States, although this statistic might be affected by the fact that cancer detection is less developed in other countries.
As with your family history, knowing that your particular racial profile is more susceptible to the disease should induce you to take steps towards preventing prostate cancer. If you feel that you are at risk when it comes to prostate cancer, spend some time to learn more about the illness, and take whatever measures necessary to ensure your continuing good health.
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