Cancer originating in the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system, is termed as prostate cancer. The prostate gland is the source center for semen. This condition occurs generally in older men. This cancer is a slow progress class and may not exhibit prominent symptoms in its initial stages. The symptoms may often be confused with other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia. Some of the usual symptoms may be difficulty urinating, pain in the pelvic and back area, and blood in the urine.

The advanced stages may lead to fatigue due to reduced red blood cells in the body. Extensive research has revealed some near tangible reasons as the risk factors of prostate cancer, although it may not pinpoint the exact risk factors as such:

1. Age

It has often been seen that prostate cancer risk factors are generally age-related. A majority of these patients affected by this cancer are over the age of fifty. It rarely affects younger men under the age of forty. Although age is significant as a prostate cancer risk factor, it may be connected to the race and gene of a person as well.

2. Ethnicity

Prostate cancer risks may also be tied to ethnicity. For instance, a white male with no family history of prostate cancer is less prone even after his fifties. Whereas, an African male with a near family member affected, has higher chances even at an early age of forty. In general, prostate cancer risk factors are substantially more in the case of men over the age of sixty to seventy. Fortunately, when the incidence is at older ages, it manifests with lower intensity and can be managed effectively with adequate medical care.

3. Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Most often, prostate cancer may be confused with yet another condition termed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an age-related condition in men. The prostate is a small-sized gland which grows as you progress in age. By the age of forty, it grows bigger, which is an expected result of aging. Finally, it grows to the size of a lemon at about sixty or seventy years of age, which may be mistaken as a prostate cancer risk factor, as it causes similar symptoms. BPH could be mistaken for prostate cancer most commonly. Hence, it is important to consult medical counsel to rule out the possibilities with periodical tests.

4. Early detection is key

Prostate cancer risk factors need to be analyzed on time and dealt with, with medications or other treatments. The disease can be cured if deducted at an early stage. As it is the second-most common form of cancer that affects men in the country, we need to understand the risk factors and follow the necessary medical tests regularly. Thus, recognizing the risk factors may give you a chance of a normal, healthy, and risk-free life quite easily!