My doctor told me that my risk of prostate cancer is higher because I am African American. What are other risk factors for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than white men. It is less common in Asian and American Indian men. Other risk factors for prostate cancer include the following:

• Age: This disease is rare in men younger than 45. The risk goes up sharply as a man gets older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are older than 65.
• Family history: A man's risk is higher if his father or brother had prostate cancer.
• Certain prostate changes: Men with prostate cells that look abnormal under a microscope may be at an increased risk for prostate cancer.
• Diet: Some studies suggest that a diet high in animal fat or meat increases prostate cancer risk, while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower risk.

Most men who have known risk factors do not get prostate cancer. On the other hand, men who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing older. You can help protect yourself by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible. Your doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and plan a schedule for checkups.

For more information about prostate cancer, call the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 800-4-CANCER.

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