What Causes Prostate Cancer?
2. Risk Factors
The rates of prostate cancer vary among different populations in the world. This implies the involvement of genetic factors. One good example is the high risk of prostate cancer among those of sub-Saharan African ancestry while the risk becomes lower among the many Asian populations. However, it has been observed that there is an increased risk of prostate cancer among Asians who have migrated to the United States.
This suggests the role of environmental factors such as diet. Prostate cancer is also more likely in those with positive family history. When autopsies are performed in men for other causes of death, prostate cancer is often found. This rate of latent or autopsy cancer is much higher compared to clinical cancer. It is estimated to be as high as 80% by the age of 80 years old. This latent or autopsy rate is found to be similar globally.
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