Eventually the cancer cells may spread outside the gland to other parts of the body. Most prostate cancers grow very slowly. But some can spread quickly to other areas. While the causes of prostate cancer are not yet completely understood, researchers have found several factors that are consistently associated with an increased risk of developing this disease. The chance of developing prostate cancer increases rapidly after age 50.
Prostate cancer is most common in North America and northwestern Europe.
It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. Results of most studies suggest that men who eat a lot of fat in their diet have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. Other research indicates that men with a high-fat diet tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables and more dairy products, and that these factors may be responsible for increasing risk rather than the amount of fat itself. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce prostate cancer risk. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles a man's risk of developing this disease.