What causes prostate cancer?

At this time, scientists do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer. However, there are certain factors that increase a man's chance of getting prostate cancer. These include:

• Age: As men get older, their chance of getting prostate cancer increases.
• Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in white men. In New York State, African American men are one and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer and almost two times as likely to die from the disease as white men.
• Family History: A man with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer is two to three times more likely to get prostate cancer than one who does not have a close family member with the disease.
• High Fat Foods: Some studies suggest a diet high in animal fat or meat may increase a man's risk for prostate cancer.