However, doctors do know that certain factors increase the risk of getting the cancer. One factor is a family history of prostate cancer. If the patient has a father or brother with the disease, his chances of developing prostate cancer are two times greater. Older men are also at greater risk. Three-quarters of all reported cases occur in men age 65 and older.
Race is another factor that affects one's risk.
There is evidence that suggests that prostate cancer may be related to male hormone levels. Prostate cancer also may be related to environmental factors. As mentioned above, African Americans have one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world. Black Africans, however, have a low incidence of prostate cancer when compared to the high rates in African Americans. The Asian population has a low risk of prostate cancer.