Problems urinating, blood in the semen, blood in the urine and discomfort in the pelvic area. All of these are possible symptoms of prostate cancer, the most common non-skin cancer in America, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Doctors do not know the exact cause of this disease; only possible factors that may increase a man's chances of developing it.
Age
Age is the most influential risk factor, as prostate cancer tends to develop more frequently in men over the age of 65, accounting for almost two out of every three cases. The Prostate Cancer Foundation adds that one in 15 cases occur in men between the ages of 60 and 69.
Family History
The National Institutes of Health Senior Health explains that men whose father or brother currently have prostate cancer or a history of it face a greater risk than men with no family history. This risk is greater the younger the relative is when developing this disease.
Race
Men of African-American descent face the highest risk for prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation states that this ethnic group is 60 percent more likely than Caucasian men to develop this disease, while men of Asian descent have the lowest risk.
Diet
The National Institutes of Health Senior Health explains that while research is ongoing, diet may be another risk factor. A diet high in animal fat, such as those found in red meats, can increase the risk, while a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease it.
Geography
Men who reside in North America and northwestern Europe have a higher risk of suffering from prostate cancer. While the reason evades the medical community, the American Cancer Society states that the disease is more prevalent in these areas. The areas with the least amount of prostate cancer cases include Asia, Africa and South and Central America.
