Cancer, when it starts in the prostate, a part of the male reproductive system, is known as prostate cancer. It is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the second most common type of cancer prevalent among American men. The symptoms of this type of cancer are diverse and there are cases where the patient showcases minimal or no symptoms, which makes early detection of this disease difficult. But who is at risk? The top risk factors for prostate cancer have been identified as age, race/ethnicity, family history, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Let us explore these in detail one by one:

• Age : Prostate cancer can affect all men, but the chances of developing the condition increase with age. Studies have shown that the risk of getting this type of cancer increases after the age of 55, with the peak being between 70 and 74 years of age, so older men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Race/ethnicity : Belonging to the African-American race is among the top risk factors for prostate cancer. In such cases, the risk is 60% higher and the mortality rate is double as compared to Caucasian men. African-American men are also susceptible to prostate cancer at a younger age, but the condition is often diagnosed at a later stage. Additionally, prostate cancer is more severe among them as compared to Caucasian men.
• Family history : Studies show that having a brother, son, or father with this condition increases the risk of an individual two- to three-folds. These first-degree relatives can result in men getting cancer due to the inherited genetic changes, but prostate cancer can also affect men who have no family history of the condition.
• Dietary habits : While age, family, and race are the top risk factors for prostate cancer, the role that dietary habits play in the development of prostate cancer is still under investigation. Existing research shows that prostate cancer is more common in countries where the diet mostly includes meat and dairy, and high-fat milk has also been noted as a possible contributor to the increased risk of getting prostate cancer.
• Lifestyle : Not many studies have been conducted to see whether there is a link between lifestyle and prostate cancer, but a sedentary lifestyle is associated with health issues like obesity. So, by association, a lifestyle with little or no physical activity can be linked with a higher risk of prostate cancer.

The above-mentioned aspects are among the top risk factors for prostate cancer, but that does not mean all men who fall under these categories will be affected by the condition. Also, regular checkups can help facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment, especially if one falls under a risk category.