The number of reported cases has risen dramatically in recent years 350,000 in 1996 compared to about 100,000 in 1990 as a result of improved tests that can detect the disease early, often before symptoms appear. The risk for developing prostate cancer in any given year increases with age and rises significantly after age 50. One in nearly 59,000 men age 40 to 44 are likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, one in about 2600 from age 50 to 59, and one in 80 over age 80. African Americans have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the United States and Caucasians have the lowest. Risk factors Men with a family history of prostate cancer are considered to be at high risk.
Research suggests that high dietary fat is a prominent risk factor.
There may be a hereditary factor, but no gene has been identified. Smoking Symptoms Early prostate cancer often produces no symptoms and usually is discovered during a routine rectal examination. This can be dangerous, because noncancerous enlargement of the prostate is common in men over 40, and difficulty with urination may be attributed to aging rather than disease. Men experiencing the symptoms of BPH should see their physician immediately for a thorough examination. Discover the best ways to get information from this site.