Prostate cancer has emerged as the most common cancer diagnosis among men, with approximately 1 in 8 men expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime, including notable figures such as former US President Joe Biden.
Despite this alarming statistic, it’s crucial to know that not all prostate cancers are life-threatening.
Many of these cancers are so slow-growing that they often will not cause harm during a man’s lifetime.
Dr. Hayley Luxton, head of research impact and engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, emphasizes that there are essentially two types of prostate cancer: ‘pussycats’ and ‘tigers.’
“Pussycats” represent the slow-growing variety, where men will not die because of it.
In contrast, “tigers” are more aggressive forms that necessitate urgent treatment to prevent fatal outcomes.
Autopsy studies reveal that over 50 percent of men aged over 90 harbor prostate cancer cells, many of which were never diagnosed during their lives.
Dr. Cody Watling, a postdoctoral fellow at the US National Cancer Institute, notes, “Most men eventually will have prostate cancer cells.
However, whether that becomes clinically significant—whether it causes symptoms or spreads—is another matter entirely.”
But what factors contribute to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer?
Dr. Luxton notes that three key uncontrollable factors form the basis of your risk profile: age, ethnicity, and family history.
The risk increases significantly after the age of 50, with most diagnoses occurring in men over 70.
Ethnicity plays a role as well, with Black men being twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to white men.
Though the reasons remain unclear, genetics may be a contributing factor.
Family history of prostate cancer also elevates risk, especially if close relatives like fathers, brothers, or grandfathers were diagnosed under the age of 60.
Additionally, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly associated with the BRCA2 gene mutation, may further increase prostate cancer risk.
Dr. Watling emphasizes that these risk factors are not only relevant for prostate cancer in general but are also linked to aggressive forms of the disease.
“There is evidence that age, family history, and Black ethnicity increase your risk of both overall and aggressive prostate cancer,” he explains.
Transformative headlines often suggest that lifestyle choices can mitigate the risk of prostate cancer.
However, recent findings make it difficult to draw clear conclusions.
Watling, who focused his research on diet and prostate cancer risk at the University of Oxford, reports, “A lot of research has been done to try to disentangle if there are modifiable risk factors for prostate cancer, and to date, nothing has really shown strong evidence.”
Some studies hint at a potential link between high dairy intake, particularly milk, and a marginal increase in prostate cancer risk, possibly due to a growth factor known as IGF-1.
Yet, Watling cautions, “The evidence there is still a bit hazy, and there’s not a really strong association.”
In brief, more investigation is necessary to establish any definitive causal links.
One exception may be body weight; evidence suggests that being overweight correlates with a higher risk of aggressive or fatal prostate cancer.
However, it remains challenging to determine whether this correlation arises from biology or if individuals with higher body weight are less likely to undergo screening early.
Dr. Luxton concurs, advocating that maintaining a healthy and balanced diet coupled with regular physical activity—even something as simple as a 10-minute walk—is better than remaining sedentary.
For men over 50, or those over 45 who are at elevated risk due to ethnicity or family history, Prostate Cancer UK advises initiating a dialogue with a GP.
A quick risk assessment is available through Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker, taking less than a minute to complete.
Following this, a doctor may recommend various screening tests, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, examinations, or MRI scans, customizing the approach based on individual needs.
Amid Joe Biden’s diagnosis causing a stir, it’s critical to navigate the flood of misleading or oversimplified advice surrounding prostate cancer.
The stark reality is that while you cannot entirely eliminate your risk of prostate cancer, understanding the primary contributors—age, family history, and ethnicity—can help guide informed decisions.
Though diet and lifestyle may not have a profound impact on risk, healthy habits still hold importance, particularly in relation to aggressive forms of the disease and overall well-being.
If you find yourself at higher risk, don’t hesitate to reach out and begin the conversation with your healthcare provider.
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