Prostate cancer is the development of malignancy within the prostate gland, an essential organ in the male reproductive system. Positioned in front of the rectum, this gland is situated below the bladder and has a shape resembling that of a small walnut.
The cause behind the prostate cancer is still unknown. All we know is that the cancer develops when prostate gland cells change their DNA. A cell’s DNA contains instructions that guide the cell in what it is supposed to do. These changes then guide the cell to grow and divide quickly compared to normal cell functioning. Prostate cancer, when detected early, can be cured successfully.
In this blog, we will look at the causes of prostate cancer.
How is Prostate Cancer Caused?
- Age- Any person of any age can develop bladder cancer, but the diagnosis of prostate cancer is more common in people aged 50 or above. Almost 60% of people aged 65 or above have prostate cancer. So, increasing age is also one of the major causes of prostate cancer. Age is also one of the enlarged prostate causes.
- Family history of cancer- Once again, doctors cite a family history of cancer as one of the major reasons for developing prostate cancer. If any of your family members, father, grandfather or brother has ever had prostate cancer, your chances of suffering from the disease increase. Furthermore, men whose family members have a history of breast and ovarian cancer are also at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Obesity- Obesity is directly related to an increase in fat tissues in the body, which ultimately is associated with the production of hormones that promote the growth of the tumour, putting you at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. According to studies, if you are overweight and in your 50s, you are more prone to developing prostate cancer.
- Diabetes- Women who have diabetes face an elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer. Diabetes increases your chances of developing ovarian cancer by 20 to 25% compared to prediabetic women.
- Ethnicity- Once again, experts cite ethnicity as a primary factor in causing prostate cancer. Some ethnic groups, like African American and non-Hispanic men, are more prone to develop prostate cancer. According to the estimates, one in six African American men have prostate cancer. On the other hand, Asian American men and Hispanic/Latino men are less prone to develop prostate cancer.
- Diet- Researchers have linked a high dietary calcium intake to an increased risk of prostate. However, more research is needed to prove the linkages. Keeping calcium intake in range has been advised to prevent further complications.
Conclusion
In the blog above, we have thoroughly addressed the causes of prostate cancer. The key lies in early diagnosis, which enables a complete cure when detected early. When doctors treat cancer within the prostate gland, individuals typically experience normal, disease-free lives. It is your doctor who can provide you with the best advice when it comes to treating prostate cancer. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan can help cover the costs of screenings, consultations, and advanced treatments, ensuring timely access to the best care while reducing financial burdens.
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